Noida societies lock out visitors after infections rise to 7 taking UP’s total to 18

• An employee of HCL Technologies tested Coronavirus positive, taking the total in the city to 7.
  
• Around 800 people live in unhygienic Noida slums who are at high risk of infection.
  
• A family in Noida Extension's Gaur City area was put under isolation on Wednesday.
  
• The Noida Police Commissionerate imposed Section 144 in Gautam Buddha Nagar to restrict the gathering of people.

After an employee of HCL Technologies in Noida tested Coronavirus positive, the number of cases in Uttar Pradesh surged to 18.

"Unfortunately, one employee from our Noida office has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus while he was in self-isolation after his return from international travel and hence our office is following all government and health advisory protocols," the company said in a statement.

The employee is currently in an isolation ward and "all measures are being taken to provide best medical care to him and support to his family", HCL Technologies said, adding that all other employees are in good health and are being monitored continuously.

According to the Ministry of Health and welfare website, 15 people have been cured in India, out of which five were from the UP.

A family is under isolation in Noida

A family in Noida Extension's Gaur City area was put under isolation on Wednesday over suspicion of being infected with COVID-19.

According to the health department officials, the team of doctors arrived at the Gaur City 1, 1st Avenue society and collected the blood samples from the family members.

The medical staff also sanitised their flat and quarantined the family for 14 days. The medical team also quarantined the tower of the society as a precautionary measure.

Section 144 imposed in Noida

Amid the novel Coronavirus outbreak in the country, the Noida Police Commissionerate on Wednesday (March 18) ordered the imposition of Section 144 in Gautam Buddha Nagar to restrict gathering of people.

The Noida Police Commissionerate said in a tweet, "In view of the emergency situation arising out of threat of Coronavirus, and following Section 144 of CrPC, it is announced that no social, political, cultural, religious, sports and business gatherings shall be allowed in Gautam Budh Nagar district till April 5, 2020."


Outsiders entry banned into Noida's societies

After two cases of Coronavirus surfaced in Noida yesterday (March 18), housing societies banned the entry of outsiders into the premises. All the members residing in the societies are being screened.

Atul, a member of the Apartment Owners Association, told IANS: "The entire building has been quarantined. The members of the society have been asked to leave the house only when needed. They have also been told that all the things they need will be delivered to their doorstep.”

Unhygienic Noida slums at high risk

There is an outcry in the country over the deadly Coronavirus, and 148 cases have been found positive. However, slum dwellers remain a neglected and high-risk group.

On Wednesday, an IANS correspondent visited the Sector 78 slums. Around 800 people live in these slums and work locally, some of them are rickshaw pullers while some work as domestic help.

As per the report, drains passing near these slums remain filthy, no cleaning facilities and very unhygienic conditions. Due to the dirty conditions, these people are more prone to COVID-19.

"We are not rich enough to buy products — sanitisers, hand wash, masks etc. — to save ourselves from the virus, the government should provide these things to us," said Parv Chakrabarti, who works as domestic help.


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