Mumbai Cops Over 55 Told To Stay Home After 3 Colleagues Die Of COVID-19

Mumbai policemen over 55 have been asked to stay home after three cops died of coronavirus in the city.

Policemen over 55 will not be posted on duty until COVID-19 is brought under control, said officials today. Policemen above 52, who have other ailments like diabetes and hypertension, have also been asked to stay home.

Mumbai Police Chief Param Bir Singh took the decision after three policemen lost their lives in a matter of three days. All three were 50-plus.

Those above 55 are more prone to the COVID-19 infection, according to a central health ministry advisory, and come under the high risk category.

On Monday, a 56-year-old head constable posted in traffic, Shivaji Sonawane, died of COVID-19. Before that, Head Constables Chandrakant G Pendulkar  and Sandip M. Surve died of the virus.

Across the state, 112 policemen have tested positive for coronavirus. Most of them are from Mumbai.

Mumbai Police spokesperson Pranay Ashok said policemen were at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and risked exposure to the infection daily.

"Our personnel are risking their lives daily to protect citizens. It is our priority to keep their personal health and immunity strong," he said.

As part of measures to protect their personnel, Mumbai police has also directed a 12-hour shift per day followed by 24 hours of rest until May 3, when the coronavirus lockdown is due to end.

Some 12,000 doses of Hydroxychloroquine will also be administered to police personnel and a special hospital will be designated for them.

Mumbai has reported over 5,500 coronavirus cases, and the number of deaths has climbed to 219, the city's civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said on Monday.

Maharashtra has the most number of COVID-19 infections in the country.

Mumbai is also drawing up plans on what to do if there is any shortage of police personnel because of its decision.