Meghalaya | Stranded citizens arrived in the state, no symptomatic case detected

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 5, 2020

Over 284 citizens, who were stranded in the different North East states including neighbouring Assam on Tuesday, arrived in the state.

Of these, 32 have been properly screened at the check point at Ratacherra, East Jaintia Hills, 205 Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi, 39 Bajengdoba, North Garo Hills and 8 Tikrikilla, West Garo Hills, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters.

“All 284 who arrived today have come back with their own transporation arrangement. We have also released them to their respective villages and they have been asked to go for 14 days home quarantine and to strictly follow all protocols,” he said.

Tynsong also informed there have been no symptomatic cases detected at the four designated check points.

According to him, the second batch of citizens will also be arriving today midnight on transportation arranged by the government.

Earlier, the Khasi Students Union (KSU) while questioning the accuracy of the rapid diagnostic test kits had suggested the use of Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for all returnees especially those coming from red zones at the entry points.

Reacting to this, the Deputy CM categorically stated that it is impossible for the government to conduct RT-PCR tests on all citizens. He said that RT- PCR tests will only be conducted for those who are symptomatic.

“As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), we are using the rapid diagnostic test kits to screen returnees for coronavirus. I admit that the ICMR had earlier advised us not to used the old test kits but that is no longer the case with the new rapid diagnostic test kits,” he said.

Moreover, Tynsong said it is mandatory for all returnees to go for 14 days home-quarantine. “We have also formed the village health team headed by the headman to strictly monitor and to inform the authority concerned in case such people have any symptoms,” he added.

To a query, the Deputy CM informed that over 3,000 citizens stranded in the NE region have registered with the government.