Chennai on High Alert after Koyembedu Reports daily Rise in COVID-19 Cases; Market likely to be shifted!

After Chennai’s largest market for fruit and vegetable- Koyambedu, emerged as the hotspot of coronavirus, officials have decided to shift the market out of the city. So, shops in Koyambedu's wholesale market complex are likely to be shifted out of Chennai at least for a few weeks. 

As per Times of India (ToI) report, there are nearly 3,590 vegetable, fruit, flower and other essential shops in Koyambedu. With the latest report, 114 workers and traders at the Koyambedu market belonging to Cuddalore district, have been tested positive for COVID-19; this could be another reason to shift the market. 

Currently, all the patients have been admitted at the Rajah Muthiah Medical College Hospital in Chidambaram.

Greater Chennai Corporation officials and special officer J Radhakrishnan visited the market complex as the rise in cases have increased. So far, the overall number of COVID-19 cases from Koyambedu cluster alone is 160 on Monday. 

"We may have to move the remaining shops to areas like Maduranthakam. That is the only way to reduce crowding. District collectors have been asked to do focused testing. This helps is to detect cases early," Radhakrishnan.  

With this rise in case, people are still curious to know if vegetables we buy also carry coronavirus? There is no research or study on it yet but looking at the current scenario, it is best to maintain hygiene and cautious. It is advisable to always wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly before you eat or cook them. Also, wash your hands before and after touching vegetables and fruits bought from market place, reports Economic Times.