Meghalaya COVID-19 | 372 samples tested negative

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 16, 2020

Conrad says govt to get RTKs for conducting more tests

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the state government has decided to get rapid test kits (RTKs) to ensure more tests are being done for the COVID-19 in the state. 

According to Sangma, a total of 552 samples have been tested so far out of which 7 cases have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 

He informed that the state government is waiting for the test results of 178 samples.

Stating that the government has reviewed the entire situation and event of the last 24 hours that have taken place, the CM said, “We are working to ensure that more testing will be done. We are trying to get rapid test kits (RTKs), which are coming from different parts of the world. Other states are also working towards getting that. We hoped that the RTKs should be here very soon.”

He said the overall testing capacity of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) has been increased to almost 110 per day. 

“We are also thankful to the government of Assam, which have given us an additional of 50 more tests in a day. With this, we now have a total capacity of 110+50 (160) tests that we can do (per day),” Sangma informed. 

He added that given the current scenario whether in the state of Meghalaya or the whole country, the way forward is really to test more and more.

“Realising that, we are ensuring that we are able to get these RTKs. We are also exploring possibility of having “pool test” but in the initial stages, it will be very important for us to do primary testing (meaning) primary contacts have to be tested first,” the CM emphasized. 

According to the official bulletin, out of the 552 samples, 372 have been tested negative for COVID-19. 

Of this, a total of 382 samples have been tested since April 13.

It said that a total number of 214 samples was collected from Bethany Hospital, which has been sealed by the government after the first COVID-19 case was recorded, while another 270 from other institutions. There are a total of 106 inpatients with attenders in Bethany hospital while 80 are staff of the hospital and 91 are being quarantine at the corona care centre. 

The government also said that a total of 140 primary contacts of the first COVID-19 case and over 4,000 secondary contacts have been established so far. 

According to the government, people and staff of Bethany and primary contacts of the positive case are the immediate focus. 

Meanwhile, the chief minister further assured that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the state is able to face this challenge. 

“Having said that, I must say that there is never a situation that is easy for usto ensure that everything goes the way we want it to go,” he said. 

Stating that there are challenges, Sangma however said, “Today I can tell you our officers whether from the health department, our administration, and entire machinery are working overtime (to combat against this deadly disease). Shortcomings are there but I assure you that what is important is to be able to response to these challenges,” he said. 

“Our team has not shy away from Chief Secretary level to departmental heads, to our deputy commissioners, to our police force, to people on the ground, I Must tell you and congratulate you and thank you for the commitment you have, you are doing an excellent job, the state government and the people of the state are with you. I know these are difficult times but if we work together I know will be able to get through this phase,” the CM further added. 

Sangma also said that the health department of the state is very much prepared to tackle the present situation and to prevent further spread of the contagious disease. 

“Different kind of SOPs, arrangements, mockdrills, infrastructures, training all has been done but then situation are very fluid, complex and challenging. Therefore, no matter how many things you do sometimes it is difficult to immediately response to every single challenge. What is important for us as government is to be able to response to these shortcomings and challenges we faced and ensure we overcome and rectify them so that will be able to move ahead in a smoother manner and that is the best about the team right now,” he said.

The CM further appeal to the citizens of the state to respect the space and the kind of challenge being faced by the family of COVID-19 victim. 

“In fact, even though the situation was very emotional for them, we had to start the contact tracing process and a lot of work has been done and I must thank all of them for being very supportive on this matter,” he said.

Sangma also informed that necessary guidelines, precautions, safety measures, which should be taken has been given to the family.