Srinagar: Expressing umbrage against alleged delay in getting final COVID-19 test results, inmates at quarantine facility at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hazratbal, Monday accused the authorities of having protracted their ‘isolation’ term by few days.
Inmates said they have completed 14 days quarantine period at NIT after testing positive for novel coronavirus, however they are not allowed to go home as their final test results are yet to come.
“We appeal the authorities to let us go home as we feel mentally ill. Our isolation term ended five days ago but we are not allowed to go home as the final test results are yet to come,” said an intern who had tested positive before being quarantined.
He said that he was home-quarantined for 14 days before being shifted to NIT Hazratbal earlier this month.
Some other interns at the facility also said that they are doing well and have no symptoms of coronavirus after completing the requisite isolation first at home and subsequently at the NIT quarantine centre.
“After completing home quarantine, my family got my tests done from a private lab and I tested negative. But next day a team of health officials arrived at my home and shifted me to NIT quarantine centre. I am doing well and my swab sample was also collected but test results are still awaited,” another intern said.
Echoing same views, another inmate said at least 16 persons who had earlier tested positive for coronavirus are awaiting final test for the past several days. They accused the concerned officials of not taking their plight seriously.
A COVID-19 suspect is supposed to be under quarantine for 14 days but once s(he) tests negative, they shall be allowed to go home, they said.
“We appeal the authorities to let us go home as we cannot afford to be here anymore. Kindly get our final test results to us as early as possible,” they appealed.
