Meghalaya: 1,048 People Test Negative for COVID-19, 70 Results Awaited

Shillong, April 24, 2020:

Meghalaya, that has so far reported 12 cases of the deadly coronavirus, has sent 1,130 samples for testing, the Government said. While 1,048 persons have tested negative for the virus, 12 people have tested positive. One of the patients, the first in the state, passed away on April earlier this month. At the same time, the results of 70 tests are still being awaited by the state health department.

24,382 people have so far been screened in the state; while 300 people have been kept in institutional quarantine, 5,503 people have been quarantined at home.

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Meghalaya so far has accrued 64,458 PPE kits, 5,10,000 3-ply masks, and 80,190 N-95 masks.

Meanwhile, the primary contacts of the COVID-19 who are under home quarantine are being visited by a team of doctors in their residences and being monitored very closely, the Meghalaya administration has informed.

Meanwhile, 48 teams have been formed by the Deputy Commissioner's office in East Khasi Hills for making home visits to all the secondary contacts. For all other individuals under home quarantine, they are being advised to isolate themselves for 14 days and to report if any of the symptoms associated with the COVID-19 appear.

At the same time, line listing is being conducted by the accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers in all the districts.

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Village Health teams have also been constituted in all districts comprising of 4 to 5 members, that is, headman, ASHA, AWW, ANM and school teacher. "In the background of the present COVID19 outbreak, the general public is advised to adhere to health advisories issued by the State Government", a communique issued by the Government further said.

The Government of Meghalaya has instructed the public to follow the "cough etiquette" by covering their nose and mouth using a handkerchief or towel while sneezing or coughing and to frequently wash their hands with soap and water.

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