Covid-19: Delhi-Gurugram border declared ‘high-risk’ zone

Sanjay Yadav

Gurugram, May 27

As 13 police personnel posted on the Delhi-Gurugram border have tested positive the borders have been declared high risk zone.

Those posted there for last one month have been replaced and cops have been provided with PPE kits to be adorned during duty. The cops however have refused wearing PPE citing it unfeasible in soaring temperature.

“It’s 45 degrees and we find it difficult to work in regular uniform. PPE kits will be suicidal in this heat. There is no way we can wear it stand in sun and execute duties. We realise the risk we are at but owing to checking of passes we have to be near people,” said an ASI posted on expressway border.

It may be noted what highlighted high vulnerability of cops, 12 personnel recently posted on Palam Vihar border have tested positive. They were the ones attacked and pelted with stones by over hundred Delhi residents, primarily migrants who tried to enter Gurugram claiming to be industrial workers. As social distancing went for a toss, they tested positive for the coronavirus. The police department following the incident has grown more cautious. 

“The borders are high-risk areas and we have withdrawn all cops we deem vulnerable from there. We have also changed duty rooster. As many as 35 professional and personal contacts of 12 cops who tested positive have been quarantined. Only Sarhaul border is open for visitors while only essential service allowed from Kapashera border,” said a senior police officer. 

“We are taking more stringent precautions and have asked our personnel to maintain social distancing. Only young and healthy cops are posted at the border. We are also providing them immunity boosters. All coronavirus positive cops are being treated and are recovering,” said police commissioner Mohammad Akil.

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