Traders in city markets to be tested for virus

A Chennai Corporation official from Kodambakkam zone said that the exercise started a week ago and the more than samples from 60 street vendors and vegetable vendors from T Nagar were tested. "We were directed to collect samples from the vendors, following which we tested those in Corporation commercial complex in Pondy Bazaar, vegetable market on Railway Border Road and street vendors. But none of the tested vendors were found positive. Markets are the hotspots, so we are concentrating on them," the official said.

The official added that most of the retail vegetable vendors, who visit the temporary wholesale market in Tirumazhisai, were being tested there and the civic body is testing the vendors who were missed out. The Corporation collects the samples from the vendors through mobile sample collection vehicles.

An official attached to Royapuram zone said that samples were being collected from shop keepers across the city.

"While we set up fever clinics on the streets, we insist the shopkeepers in particular streets to undergo compulsory COVID-19 sample testing. Apart from street vendors and shopkeepers, we are also collecting samples from the residents of officers' quarters," the official added.

The official added that any vendor tested positive for the virus would be quarantined as per the protocol. Also, the civic body is conducting periodic awareness campaigns at markets asking vendors to wear masks and follow social distancing.

The Corporation has already constituted market management committees to oversee the functioning of the 81 markets in the city. The committees have been entrusted the task of monitoring and regulating crowds and ensuring social distancing. These committees are yet to start functioning in most of the markets.

Corporation Commissioner G Prakash said markets could not be shut but they must be regulated. "We will hold a meeting with the fish vendors’ association on Monday to discuss the preventive measures," he added.