Rich returnees risk spread, breaking quarantine rules

Hyderabad: The rich, the powerful and the influential, after returning from abroad have led the way in breaking home quarantine rules in Telangana, threatening to spread the coronavirus infection to the rest.

Health minister Etala Rajendar on Monday therefore strictly warned that no one, irrespective of position or power, will be spared if they or their family break home quarantine orders.

S.M. Ali, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kothagudem allowed his 23-year-old son who tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from abroad. Rajendar specifically cited the DSP and his educated son’s disregard for public safety who have risked spreading the disease in Kothagudem and Khammam.

“We have reports of people who arrived from other countries driving around in cars and attending parties. We will crackdown and put them in quarantine if rules are not followed. Case will be registered and strict action will be taken against them ,” he said.

“So far, 200 such individuals have been identified, caught and cases registered against them. The government put down efforts in tracking and monitoring the health of foreign returnees ” Rajendar said.

Among those who displayed “irresponsible behaviour” is ruling TRS Party MLA from Sirpur (T) constituency, Koneru Konappa, who after returning from the USA with his wife, attended a series of events in Kagaznagar. He was subsequently ordered to home quarantine for 14 days  .