VASCOVelsao sarpanch HenriquesD’Mello tested positive for Covidand while the panchayatwas closed on Monday, somestaff and panch members alsowent to get themselves testedon Monday afternoon.Sources claimed that D’Mellohad recently attended a personalhearing in the panchayatoffice, a claim which the sarpanchdenied.“The sarpanch’s brother hadearlier tested positive. The sarpanchlater got himself testedbut before the results couldarrive, a personal hearing wastaken up in panchayat in thepresence of secretary,” sa
id asource.“The panchayat must beclosed till test results of theother staff are available. Thesecretary has not tested himselfand it is important thathe tests himself because heshares the responsibility oftwo panchayats, Velsao andCansaulim, thereby potentiallycoming into contact with peoplefrom two villages.When contacted, D’Melloadmitted that he had testedpositive but denied attending apersonal hearing .“Yes, I tested positive. Doctorstold me it is a mild form ofCovid and I have no symptoms.My brother had developed feverand cold after which I tookthem to Cansaulim PHC fora check and the staff said, Ishould also get tested too.”“Anyone who may havecome in close contact with meshould get themselves tested.As far as hearing is concerned,there was a personal hearingscheduled in the panchayat butI only went till the panchayatoffice and returned homewithout entering the premiseswhen I realised that I had gonefor testing and the results hadnot yet arrived,” said D’Mello.
