Nine CRPF men of the 11 investigated for Coronavirus so far have tested positive for Covid-19, triggering a contact-tracing exercise across the Force’s formations throughout the country. Those found positive belonged to a group of 47 CRPF personnel quarantined at its facility here at Narela.
All the positive cases have been isolated at the quarantine centre or transferred to designated hospitals for management of the viral disease. With this, 12 CRPF personnel including a CMO and a RAF Head Constable have tested positive for the pandemic.
Following the outbreak, the paramilitary headquarters has asked all formations across the country to furnish data of the personnel deployed in hotspots and other operational areas in the last 20 days and if anyone in these areas had tested positive for Covid-19 as part of a larger contact tracing exercise for taking effective measures.
The 47 personnel quarantined earlier belong to the 31 Battalion of the CRPF deployed in the national Capital. The move to quarantine them was taken after a Constable/Nursing Assistant Rajesh Sharma, who rejoined duty on April 7 after availing leave, tested positive for the viral disease.
Those found to be positive for the viral disease include a Sub Inspector, a Head Constable and seven constables. All their contacts are being quarantined/isolated to check the spread of the disease, officials said.
According to a circular sent across all the formations on Thursday, a proforma for seeking information of the personnel regarding regular and additional deployment of troops in hotspot areas during the last 20 days has been sought.
Through the circular, the paramilitary has also sought details of personnel as also civilians who worked with the troops during deployment in hotspots in the last 20 days and if anyone tested positive for Covid-19.
Insiders in the Force said despite the outbreak of the disease, location sharing of the personnel deployed at the paramilitary headquarters and the Northern Sector here has not been initiated.
They said a number of personnel hailing from the adjoining States visit their hometowns during the weekends despite there being a prohibition to leave station without due authorisation from the superiors to check the spread of the disease.