1st city cop to test +ve returns to work, gets hero’s welcome

Sub-inspector S Arunachalam returned to duty on Monday after 28 days and was greeted by Commissioner AK Viswanathan himself at Esplanade police station. As Arunachalam walked into the station premises, which had a welcome kolam at the entrance drawn by his colleagues, other officials including the Commissioner gave him resounding applause, after which he was given a congratulatory note by the officials.

Speaking to the media, the sub-inspector said one won’t be affected by the pandemic if he or she follows all the safety guidelines. “Even if one gets affected by the virus, there is no need to panic as the patients are given utmost care at the hospitals,” said the sub-inspector.

Arunachalam, who is part of the model control room and is responsible for the patrolling in Esplanade police station jurisdiction, tested positive for COVID-19 on April 18, after which he was admitted at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH). While he was discharged after 14 days, his home quarantine period of another two weeks ended on Sunday.

The sub-inspector said senior officials kept inquiring about him as well his family members during the quarantine, which was a morale booster during the hard period.

Commissioner said that so far 190 police personnel have been affected by COVID-19 in the city and expressed hope that all of them would soon get discharged and return to duty.