Corona tests on 2,800 SOU, Narmada Dam, forest staffers

Bharuch/Vadodara: Over 2,800 employees of the Statue of Unity (SoU), Sardar Sarovar Nigam Ltd, CISF, forest department and L&T underwent Covid-19 tests at Narmada district on Wednesday.
The tests were conducted at 10 different centres in Kevadia Colony by several teams of doctors. Authorities will take the decision to re-open the SoU for tourists on the basis of the results of these tests.
“We conducted Covid-19 (RTPCR) tests on the employees under direct and indirect employment of the SoU, SSNNL, L&T, CISF and forest department to ensure the safety of people working at these sites and the tourists too.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to visit the SoU on October 31 and hence, precautions are being taken to safeguard the health of the entire staff,” said Manoj Kothari, collector, Narmada.
Fifty medical teams participated in the testing camp on Wednesday morning. Sources in the SoU said that the Narmada health authorities have begun preparations to meet the additional demand for treatment facilities as many of those tested may be reported positive for the virus.
The world’s tallest statue and the country’s most popular tourism site, SoU, has been closed since March 16 due to Covid-19 pandemic. Once it re-opens, a large number of visitors are expected to visit the statue, Sardar Sarovar Dam, nutrition park, jungle safari and other attractions in Kevadia. Hence the mass tests were conducted as a precautionary measure.
Narmada district recorded 754 Covid-19 positive cases till Tuesday, of which 690 patients have recovered and been discharged. The SoU was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on October 31, 2018. The PM has already visited this place thrice since then.