NAGPUR: A wedding venue at Sawargaon in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district turned into an impromptu ‘Covid detection centre’ when health officials arrived at the spot and subjected all present— bride, groom and guests— to rapid antigen tests. Even the priest, cook and drivers were not spared.
Praising this unique move, district collector Ravindra Thakare said this could be replicated elsewhere (instead of imposing fines) to check the spread of coronavirus.
Narkhed health official Dr Vidyanand Gaikwad came up with the idea of conducting Covid tests at wedding venues, which have emerged as superspreader events amid the ongoing second wave of Covid-19 in Nagpur. “We conducted 26 antigen tests at the venue and everyone tested negative. The idea was to immediately isolate anyone found positive and take further precautions,” Gaikwad said.
“The visit was planned with a dual purpose. First, to check whether Covid norms like masking, social distancing, sanitization and the cap of 50 people were being maintained. Second, to conduct antigen tests as there is mass mingling at weddings. The bride and groom especially are greeted by all. We wanted to ensure this marriage did not turn into a superspreader event,” he added.
The team first counselled the guests and then conducted the tests, Gaikwad said. “Apart from conducting tests, we also slapped a total fine of ?6,000 as many were found without masks.”
Praising this unique move, district collector Ravindra Thakare said this could be replicated elsewhere (instead of imposing fines) to check the spread of coronavirus.
Narkhed health official Dr Vidyanand Gaikwad came up with the idea of conducting Covid tests at wedding venues, which have emerged as superspreader events amid the ongoing second wave of Covid-19 in Nagpur. “We conducted 26 antigen tests at the venue and everyone tested negative. The idea was to immediately isolate anyone found positive and take further precautions,” Gaikwad said.
“The visit was planned with a dual purpose. First, to check whether Covid norms like masking, social distancing, sanitization and the cap of 50 people were being maintained. Second, to conduct antigen tests as there is mass mingling at weddings. The bride and groom especially are greeted by all. We wanted to ensure this marriage did not turn into a superspreader event,” he added.
The team first counselled the guests and then conducted the tests, Gaikwad said. “Apart from conducting tests, we also slapped a total fine of ?6,000 as many were found without masks.”
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