Family members of Saifabad constable test corona positive, admitted

Hyderabad: Four days after the head constable posted at the Saifabad police station tested positive for COVID-19, four of his family members have also been tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The family members include his 5-year-old grandchild, two of his married sons, and his daughter. All four of them have been admitted in Gandhi Hospital, and their conditions are stable, as per health officials.

The 55-year-old head constable was a resident at the police quarters in Punjagutta. “After his tests came out positive, the area has been sealed. Meanwhile, the family has shifted into another apartment, so not many have come into contact with him,” said Khairtabad corporator Vijaya Reddy.

Meanwhile, contact tracing of other police officers are undergoing. As of now, thirteen police officers are believed to have come in contact with the Saifabad head constable. “All thirteen officers have been kept under quarantine. None of their tests have come positive for COVID-19,” the corporator added.

The Saifabad head constable has no travel history, but was regular for prayers at city mosques, sources revealed. Since the lockdown came into force, he had been posted at a check point at Telugu Talli flyover. Inquiries revealed that he frequently visited two mosques in the Saifabad area and one at Punjagutta, close to his house. “He was found to be unwell for the past few days, but continued attending duties. On Friday, as he was coughing severely, he went to NIMS hospital for check-up and was advised to visit Gandhi hospital and get tested. His samples were collected on Saturday and the results showing positive came on Monday. He was shifted to Gandhi hospital,” an official said.

This is the second cop in the police department to have tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier, the Deputy Superintendent of police -Kothagudem in Bhadradri Kothagaudem district was tested positive. He along with his cook contracted the virus from his UK returned son, who jumped home quarantine and moved around.