COVID-19: 135 men from single CRPF battalion in Delhi test positive

At least 135 personnel of a battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) based in Delhi have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said on Saturday.

Tests were conducted on 480 personnel of the 31st battalion out of which 323 have tested negative. Results of 22 personnel are awaited.

Officials said the primary source of the virus infection in this battalion could be a constable, who is a nursing assistant, who joined this battalion after finishing his leave period in the National Capital Region. Officials said the reason behind the spread of virus infection in the battalion could be due to a change in the quarantine period stipulated for those rejoining duty.

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The general order was for a mandatory 14-day quarantine for personnel joining back from leave or having suspected exposure to a coronavirus-infected person. However, the CRPF medical wing issued a separate order last month saying that that doctors and paramedics can be taken off the quarantine if they do not show any symptom after five days.

Twelve personnel had tested positive on Friday and a 55-year-old Sub-Inspector of this unit passed away due to the disease early this week, the first death in the force due to COVID-19.

A mobile testing lab has been stationed on the premises of the battalion to ensure quick collection of samples while a special sanitisation drive was undertaken in the campus

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The personnel of this battalion were attached with Delhi Police to assist them in law and order situation.

In a separate incident, a CRPF company, which is part of 246th battalion, comprising 80 personnel has been quarantined in Delhi after one of them was tested positive for COVID-19.

The company was located in Narela area. A constable was tested positive following which other personnel in the company was quarantined.