The Andhra Pradesh Police, yesterday launched Muskaan Covid-19, an initiative aimed at controlling the spread of the pandemic among street and homeless children.

Originally, Operation Muskaan focused on eradicating child labor. In the backdrop of the pandemic and its impacts on the health of children, the initiative will also include testing for Covid-19 and treating homeless children who usually inhabit railway stations, bus stand, and places of their employment.

DGP Gautam Sawang flagged off the initiative that will help test and treat one of the most vulnerable sections of society.

Apart from the police, the CID, the Women and Child Welfare Department, ICDS, and the municipal administration, various NGOs will be involved in the operation.

All children traced during the operation will be tested for Covid-19. Those requiring medical attention will be referred to as the nearest hospital and the rest will be shifted to state-run rehabilitation centers.

The authorities will provide free education, apart from taking care of their needs..