Dimitar Pantev, a Bulgarian, was home quarantined inPattambi when he reached the town in Palakkad district onMarch 4 for doing a study on the feasibility of setting up ahighly professional training centre there on the request ofDubai-based H16 Sports Services.
"I was and am still dumbstruck to hear about thespread and the disaster coronavirus has created in Europe andI feel truly blessed that Kerala is the place that I was at inthe times of the virus", Pantev wrote on his Facebook page.
He hailed the leadership role being played by ChiefMinister Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister K K Shailaja inpreventing the spread of the deadly virus in the state.
"At no point I was worried or felt like going home,the way the Chief Minister of the state Honourable Mr PinarayiVijayan, took charge of the situation, leading from the frontwith his Health Minister, Ms Shylaja Teacher, was an eyeopener in disaster management...
"...and I am so glad I was witness to their superefficiency in managing the disaster with available resourcesand very happy they are getting international acclaim fortheir commitment and hard work in the fight against thisdreaded disease", he said.
He said ever since the quarantine period was in forcein Pattambi Municipality, Health Inspector Priya Das and otherofficials of the Health department kept checking on him,giving safety instructions and calling up on the phoneeveryday to ensure my health status.
"The officer of Pattambi Police station Mr MohanaKrishnan (Assistant Sub Inspector of Kerala Police, Specialbranch), was very particular in following his government'sinstruction and keeping an hawk's eye for the well being ofthe foreigner, that was me," Pantev said.
He said he was looking forward to meet Vijayan andShylaja personally to convey his family's thanks and goodwishes.
"I am very grateful for the kindness and good heart ofthe Kerala Football Association and the local football groupsfor their thoughtfulness", he said.
Kerala is ahead of other states in the country in thefight against COVID-19.
The state has started the showing signs of declininginfections.
A total of 179 had been cured with only two deathsreported in the state due to COVID-19 so far.
According to the latest report, a total of 1,16,941people were under observation in the state out of which 816 inisolation wards of various hospitals.
The state has till now sent 14,989 samples fortesting. TGB SS