2 staff docs infected, but not on campus, says CMC

Vellore

When asked about the 4 positive cases, CMC director Dr JV Peter said, “Of the four only two were CMC staff doctors and the other two were physicians who sought employment in their hospital. Before joining duty, all staff are subjected to a medical examination and during one such exercise we found that both were positive but asymptomatic. They have been isolated in a CMC facility outside the main hospital while the CMC doctors who tested positive have been admitted to the COVID ward.”

“The two doctors might have contracted the virus when they went out and there is no evidence of the two catching the infection from inside the facility,” Peter claimed.

He also stated that the two asymptomatic cases would be tested again on day 14 and follow up would be based on the test results.

Asked if there was any change in treatment protocols following the doctors falling victims to the virus, Peter said, “We follow all State government protocols meticulously with staff both in and outside the COVID ward, clearly following instructions on protective equipment, including face masks, that they have to wear. Hence we are sure that there can be no chance for the virus spread within the hospital.”

A week ago, the district administration was aghast at learning that the hospital was directly admitting COVID-19 patients without informing officials. As the issue was sorted out at the highest level, “there is now total cooperation between the hospital and district administration,” Peter added.

Meanwhile, based on SP Pravesh Kumar’s orders the policeimposed Section 144 and 8805 offenders have been arrested in connection with 8411 cases. They also seized 7446 vehicles, including 30 on Monday, while 1161 shops (including 24 on Monday) were sealed.