Coronavirus Gujarat: After a volunteer test positive, authorities in Vadodara prohibit distribution of relief material.

There have been many people in the country, including volunteers & police officials who have joined their hands in distributing relief materials to those in need & stranded during the lockdown. These relief measures have been taken by many authorities all over the country. However, in Vadodara city of Gujarat, a positive case has been reported of a volunteer who distributed the relief materials to different areas.

The infected is a 54-year-old man who lives in Nagarwada area of Vadodara who doesn't have any recent travel history, but has been an active volunteer for distributing food & grocery items since the time of lockdown. This becomes the city's 10th positive case until now. Following the incident, Vadodara authorities have decided to prohibit the distribution of relief material by police officials & volunteers to keep them away from any further chances of getting infected & spreading the virus.

Special duty office Vinod Rao said that a professional agency would be appointed by the government for further distribution of the relief kits for maintaining hygienic conditions & encourage more social distancing & though having good intentions, this was not possible with individuals distributing the relief materials. Post investigating the situation at Nagarwada, Rao even ordered to isolate & seal the entire neighbourhood & disallow residents to step out.

Talking on the same, Rao said that despite having good intentions, they have barred volunteers from distribution of food & other relief material as this does not allow for social distancing & people can unknowingly get infected with the virus. He also said that all those who wish to donate daily essentials to the needy can do that through the Chief Minister’s relief fund & government agencies. To carry out the distribution process in a hygienic & safe manner, they will appoint professional agencies to do the same. The decision has also been taken looking at the increasing number of cases every day in the country where it has entered the stage where COVID-19 cases could see a surge.