Farmers Movement Archive

Covid-19: Farmers ready for tests but health staff wary

PATIALA: Even though a number of farmers are part of protests, health authorities have not made any effort to conduct random sampling. This despite the fact that Covid-19 cases in Patiala have reached 10,363 with 282 deaths so far. On Sunday, health officials also started the three-day pulse polio drive, reaching around 50% of the total children supposed to be covered under the drive. On Covid sampling, a health official who did not wish to be named said they were too scared to visit the protest venue because of the rumours and recent violence by village residents. Health experts feel the protests could worsen the spread as agitators are not following Covid-19 guidelines like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. They are also worried about increased contact between farmers and local residents, particularly shopkeepers. Sukhdev Singh Kokari Kalan, general secretary, BKU Ekta-Ugraha does not agree completely, maintaining that safety norms are being followed. “We have no objections if health authorities are willing to take samples. We are following all Covid guidelines and are using sanitisers and wearing masks at the protest site,” he said. Karnail Singh Lang, president, BKU-Ekta Ugraha Patiala said, “Health authorities can take our samples if they want but if any protestor is traced positive, he/she should be home-isolated in their respective village and not be sent to hospital forcefully. Health teams should visit and provide medicines to anyone feeling weak due to protest or some other reason.” Patiala civil surgeon Dr Harish Malhotra said, “Farmers have come to Patiala for a separate reason. They are protesting. We have not visited to take samples but if they are willing, we will definitely send our teams to conduct random sampling on protesters.”

The Times of India

2020-09-21

Ludhiana