Warangal police cancels reception of France returned man, who dodged quarantine

Hyderabad: In the wake of the Corona virus outbreak, Warangal police cancelled the wedding reception of a man who had recently returned from France and put him under quarantine.

In what seems to be a timely intervention by the police, they cancelled the man’s reception which was to be held on the evening of 20 March. The commissioner of police, Warangal city, tweeted, “The Reception function is cancelled and groom is instructed to be on quarantine at his home.”

Though the man tested negative for COVID-19, health officials had advised all those who have returned from abroad to remain under quarantine, whether they show symptoms of the disease or not.

The newly-married man returned from France and reached Hyderabad on 12 March. Even though he was advised to remain under quarantine, the man did not pay heed and had gone ahead with his wedding which was held on 19 March in Warangal. According to the groom’s father, more than a thousand people attended the wedding. The reception was to be held the next day. However, keeping in mind the need to avoid public gatherings and functions, the commissioner of police decided to cancel the reception. The groom has been advised to stay under quarantine.

The wedding took place at a time when health officials in the state have been advising social distancing in order to prevent further spread of Corona virus. While educational institutions will remain closed till 31 March, several other public places have also been shut down. To control the spread of COVID-19, the Telangana government has also directed the staff of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the director-general of police (DGP) headquarters to work on alternate working days.