Pamphlet gives details of corona+ patient, people avoid his street in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: A pamphlet laying bare the family and residential details of the IT worker who tested positive for the coronavirus in Hyderabad earlier this month has been distributed widely in one ward of Bengaluru, and it has led to a sort of social boycott of the street in which he lives.
It is the WHO-mandated practice that personal or family details of any coronapositive person are not revealed. However, this pamphlet, pasted all over Chandra Layout in Bengaluru, reveals the identity of the IT worker and gives out his house address.
The unsigned pamphlet has reached every house in the locality, and local reports said it was the local BBMP corporator, Umesh Shetty, who put it out, apparently in the public interest. However, Umesh Shetty denied it and said someone was spreading the canard to defame him.
The pamphlet says the 56-year-old man from Chandra Layout, recently returned from the United States, was confirmed positive for the COVID-19 virus and warns people to stay away from the street in which he lives.
This has resulted in local people giving the entire street a wide berth.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Umesh Shetty said he too had received the pamphlet. “I was told that the pamphlet was also distributed in local streets saying that stay away for the roads where COVID-19 patient was residing. But it's just a rumour and we have verified, no such cases have been reported in Chandra Layout and people should not panic."
As per the coronavirus protocol issued by the government, if any suspect case comes to the notice of the health authorities or medical personnel, it is imperative for the health department to keep him or her in home isolation or in a quarantine ward of a hospital till the 14-day incubation period passes. His or her swabs are to be sent to designated laboratories for a diagnosis.
Also under Rule 7.14 of the Regulations 2002, it is imperative that the registered medical practitioner does not disclose the details of the patient.
Umesh Shetty said he has filed a complaint with the police against this rumour.
