After Koyambedu, Ariyalur now faces fresh influx from hotspots

After Koyambedu, Ariyalur now faces fresh influx from hotspots

TNN | Jun 6, 2020, 04.02 AM IST

Trichy: Ariyalur district, which was hit by Covid-19 due to the Koyambedu cluster and recuperating slowly after having discharged 96% of the patients in the past month, is facing yet another challenge from the fresh influx of people returning from hotspots.

In the last two weeks, Ariyalur reported 15 positive cases (9 from Maharashtra, 6 from Chennai and 1 from Gujarat), all returnees from hotspots.

Acknowledging the need to shift focus from Koyambedu to people coming from hotspots, the Ariyalur district administration strengthened the check post bordering Perambalur and Cuddalore districts.

Six institutional quarantine centres were also established to isolate and test them.

“We are focussing on returnees from hotspots in other districts and states, and from abroad. They have to undergo mandatory quarantine for seven days at our quarantine centres,” Ariyalur district collector D Rathna told TOI.

People returning from hotspots like Chennai, Maharashtra and Gujarat were traced based on information shared from the Covid-19 control room.

A group of people returning from Chennai but not showing any symptoms was put under mandatory home quarantine for 14 days.

“People who are stranded at Chennai due to the lockdown are also returning. Since they avail e-pass, we can track them and quarantine,” the collector added.

Even if the returnees test negative, the health department will monitor their condition for seven consecutive days at the quarantine centres. Before discharging them, they will be tested again.