delhi

Updated: Apr 16, 2020 15:28 IST

Authorities have home-quarantined residents in 72 houses in south Delhi after a man who delivered them pizza was tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), officials said on Thursday.

Additionally, 17 people who worked with the delivery person have been sent to the Delhi government’s quarantine facility in Chattarpur, according to South Delhi district magistrate BM Mishra.

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Mishra said the delivery person had a cough, which was suspected to be caused by a common flu. As he did not show any signs of recovery, he was sent to the RML Hospital in central Delhi, which is one of the two nodal centres designated to quarantine and treat persons suspected to have Covid-19.

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“...he tested positive for Covid-19. In the last 15 days, he delivered pizza at 72 locations. We have placed all the people in home quarantine. There are 17 people who used to work with him and they all have been taken to the institutional quarantine facility at Chattarpur,” Mishra said.

The delivery person associated with a popular pizza restaurant is now undergoing treatment at a hospital, while others who came in his contact are being monitored on a daily basis.

Mishra said he has instructed all delivery boys to use masks and follow the safety measures while executing a delivery. Though dine-in at restaurants is prohibited in view of the ongoing lockdown, delivery services are allowed.

As of Thursday morning, Delhi has recorded 1,578 coronavirus infections and 32 deaths, according to the Union health ministry website.

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