Mubashir Bukhari
Srinagar (NVI): Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has quarantined at least 200 men at different units across Kashmir to keep forces safe from COVID-19.
Till now, no CRPF personnel has been tested positive for coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir.
CRPF spokesman in Srinagar, Pankaj Singh told NVI that they have quarantined the convoy which returned from Transit Camp Jammu.
“At Wazir Bagh Srinagar, we have quarantined 27 CRPF men as a precautionary measure,” he said.
Pankaj said that all CRPF men are provided with hand sanitizers and masks to keep COVID19 at bay.
Approximately 200 men including those in Srinagar are under observation at different units across Kashmir.
Besides, CRPF men have been asked to ensure social distancing and maintain highest level of hygiene.
Pankaj said that a team of doctors and paramedics are ready with all the necessary items and kits. “In case of any emergency, we are ready to handle. We have 10-bed wards where jawans with symptoms are being quarantine and we are increasing that,” he said.
He said that they are running awareness campaigns to educate the troops about the safety measures against COVID-19.
The CRPF spokesman said that the force is also conducting fumigation exercise along with major thrust on cleanliness at the camps and its surroundings.
When asked what all procedures CRPF men have to follow on duty, Pankaj said, “We have provided masks and sanitizers to every men and once they return from their duties, they have to change the clothes and take a bath.”
CRPF has already extended the leave of its personnel, presently on vacation outside the Union Territory, by 15 more days.
The officers have also been directed not to sanction leave to any personnel, except in the case of any emergency, during the next fortnight.
