Meghalaya: 17 positive cases detected during random testing in Jhalupara, Upper Mawprem

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 18, 2020

Over 17 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 during an antigen random testing conducted by the health department in Jhalupara and Upper Mawprem on Tuesday.

Director of Health Services (MI), Dr Aman War said a total of 14 positive cases were detected in Jhalupara and 3 from Upper Mawprem. He said these cases are yet to be added to the state tally as report is still being awaited.

The health department has decided to conduct a massive random test of people in the state capital after detecting many positive cases without any contacts or traveling history especially at Rilbong area. 

Screening points have been set up in different locations including the two major markets at Khyndailad and Iewduh, to conduct the exercise.

He said random testing has also started at Khyndailad and Iew-Mawlong adding “there has been no resistance from people visiting these areas as they come forward to get themselve tested. However as of now, we are still waiting for the report.”

On the other hand, Dr War informed that there was no positive cases detected in Laitumkhrah, Mawpat and Umpling.

Asked, the Director said that the situation is not at all good and is an indication of a community spread. 

“However, we cannot say it is a community spread since only 14 cases of 500 tests conducted at Jhalupara. But if we get 50 percent positive cases in an area, then we can say it is a community spread,”he said.

Urging the public not to panic, Dr War said, “We need not fear, we need not stigmatise people as all we need is to follow the important protocols like wearning masks, washing hands and maintain social distancing in order to prevent the spread of this virus.”