Nellore: Spread of coronavirus through vegetable traders feared

Nellore: Even as Koyambedu Vegetable Market in Chennai is identified as a hotspot with a huge number of positive cases, many areas in Nellore district have a similar threat as local traders used to bring vegetables and pulses from Koyambedu market.

Tests conducted in Koyambedu Market during the last week of April proved that the market has turned into a hotspot as more than 300 positive cases were reported from the market. Even though the market was closed after two cases were reported there, several people from Nellore are linked to the market in the sale of vegetables.

Out of the reported 527 positive cases on last Monday in Tamil Nadu, majority cases were linked to Koyambedu market.

Traders from Tada, Sullurpet, and some border mandals of Chittoor district used to purchase vegetables, pulses, and other commodities from Koyambedu wholesale market in Chennai. Earlier, they used to transport the goods through suburban trains. The transportation was stopped between the two states after lockdown.

Civic authorities of Chennai had conducted tests on traders and buyers in Chennai and in adjoining districts. Officials in Nellore started conducting Covid-19 tests to vegetable traders on Friday.

After lockdown, the main vegetable market was closed in Nellore and vegetables are being supplied from several traders in the city. So, many people from nearby villages come to city on daily basis and sell vegetables. People express fears that Covid-19 cases may increase in city.