Journos have expressed huge sigh of relief as the entire journalistic fraternity in Coimbatore district are free from COVID infection.
Coimbatore: Tension gripped the journos in the district after several journos one after the another were tested positive for COVID-19 in Chennai. Among the frontline warriors, journos play a crucial role in keeping people abreast of the notifications and health bulletins issued by the State and central government during the ongoing pandemic situation.
After orders were passed to conduct mandatory COVID testing for all journos across the State, last week over 150 journos here were tested at the District Collectorate using the rapid testing kits. Through SMS, the results were delivered to the respective journalists and positively, all were tested negative.
However, after a couple of days later, the ICMR issued a circular stating that rapid testing kits are not effective and hence, advised all State governments to return the kits.
Owing to the issue, it was decided to conduct repeat tests to all journalists using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. Special medical camps were held at Siddhapudur Corporation School on April 28, 2020.
In the presence of the District Collector K Rajamani, tests were held in separate batches and swabs from all journos -- print, digital and TV were collected. The results of the same has been released and all journos have been tested negative.
The journos have expressed huge sigh of relief as the entire journalistic fraternity in Coimbatore district are free from COVID infection.
The Collector has advised the journos to maintain social distancing while reporting news and wear masks at all time.