Indian soldier tested positive for Coronavirus, fear amongst Indian soldiers

Amid the worldwide panic over the novel coronavirus, an Indian soldier has been tested positive for Covid 19, making him the first case of the disease in the army. He has been kept under medical observation in an isolation ward in Ladakh.

The soldier is a resident of Chuchot village in Leh and is currently being treated in the S.N.M. hospital in Ladakh. Now, coronavirus (COVID-19) has created an atmosphere of fear among Indian soldiers.

It has been learnt that the soldier’s father, who had returned to India from Iran, had also tested positive for the novel coronavirus. However, his father was quarantined and is now undergoing treatment at a Ladakh hospital. 

“His father was quarantined from February 29 at the Ladakh Heart Foundation and reported positive for COVID-19 on March 6 and was isolated at the local SNM Hospital,” said Army sources.

Let’s understand how the soldier was affected by the deadly virus? The soldier had gone on leave from February 25 to March 1 and rejoined on March 2. After returning from his leave, the soldier continued to visit his father during the quarantine period.

As soon as it was found that his father tested positive, the soldier was also quarantined on March 7. The soldier was affected by the virus after coming in touch with his father. The soldier’s sister, wife and two children are also quarantined at the S.N.M. Heart Foundation.

The coronavirus, which originated in China has by far, spread more than 100 countries across the world ever since it came to be known. The deadly coronavirus outbreak has killed over 6,000 lives so far and over 1.6 lakh people have been infected with it globally. In India alone, the confirmed positive cases of coronavirus have surpassed 140 till now, while 3 people have died in the country from the infection. 

India is making all necessary efforts to prevent the fast-spreading disease. Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with SAARC leaders on containing the deadly virus and extended $10 million as India’s contribution for a Covid-19 emergency fund. PM Modi made significant suggestions during the video conference.

PM Modi asked the citizens not to panic and asserted that the Indian government is taking necessary steps to prevent the fast-spreading disease.

Writer, historian, and activist Dharam Sikarwar is a very active author The Youth. He writes on national and international issues, environment, politics. He is an avid book reader as well.