Ranni: As five persons from Pathanamthitta district tested positive for COVID-19, the public were in search of preventive masks.

Most medical shops were not open in the morning and people rushed to the government hospitals. However, the hospital officials had kept the masks for the virus affected and bystanders.

In the afternoon, the medical store in Ittiyappara opened and a large number of masks were sold off in a matter of minutes. From roadside vendors to autorickshaw drivers, many people bought the masks paying Rs 15.

Health department officials, public representatives reach households

Soon after the conformation of COVID-19 in the district, health department officials and public representatives started visiting houses requesting people to stay alert and explaining preventive measures to be followed.

Ranni MLA Raju Abraham and village panchayat member Bobby came to the spot by 10 am. They visited all neighbouring houses. Health department officials directed the public not to leave their homes until officials visited them.

Upon reaching the house of the COVID-19 affected, officials found their elderly parents. As they were also suffering from fever, the officials contacted the District Medical Officer. They were admitted to the hospital by 11.30 am.

Health department officials had been reaching the area since Sunday morning.  Doctors from Kottayam Medical College Hospital, Ranni Taluk Hospital and Pazhavangadi Primary Health Centre reached the area.

The doctors and officials requested the public not to panic but to remain alert. People who had been in close contact with the COVID-19 affect have been directed to stay indoors for 28 days.