How employees in AP are ignoring COVID symptoms, failing to isolate themselves

It had been four days since 27-year-old Mahesh (name changed) tested positive for COVID-19. He had developed mild symptoms and was in isolation. He works at a private firm and his clients who had also tested positive asked him to come to work to finish the pending projects.

Four employees of the sub-registrar office at Mangalagiri in the Krishna district have tested positive for COVID-19. Sources said four days ago one of the employees had mild symptoms but he came back to work without isolating himself. After he tested positive, three others tested positive within a few days. This has created panic in the office premises.

Similar situations are being reported in the state both in private and government offices where employees are ignoring COVID-19 protocols and wandering in public places and even going to the office. They are ignoring the fact that they have tested positive, have cough and cold, and can easily spread the virus to others. They are not even isolating themselves at home. There are many employees in government departments who tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a review meeting/team meeting with the officials. In some cases, people who are developing symptoms are assuming it is a viral fever or flu instead of going for a COVID-19 test. Many positive cases are also seen among people traveling through public transport such as bus, train, and flights. Stressing on this point, officials of the health department have advised people who travel to stay isolated for two days and observe if they are developing any kind of symptoms.

According to the doctors, thanks to the vaccination, those who completed two doses or even a single dose have mild symptoms. However, many of them are taking this as an advantage. "Many COVID-19 patients are self-medicating and using the basic COVID-19 medicines available at the pharmacies for mild symptoms. They are not completing the five-day course. They stop taking the medicine once the symptoms subside. At least one week of isolation is compulsory for every COVID-positive patient, whether they have mild or severe symptoms. But not many are following the protocol," said Dr. Rao, a general physician.

On 24 January, Andhra Pradesh reported more than 14,000 COVID-positive cases. However, more cases are being reported in the state than the official numbers suggest as those taking self-COVID tests at their homes are failing to upload their results to the website. So many cases are unreported.