Random testing of over 2,000 people indicates community spread of COVID-19 has started in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 19, 2020

Community spread of deadly coronavirus has started in the state, according to health authorities.  

This came after detection of many positive cases from random testing of people across the state including Shillong city during the past few days. 

“We are going into a community spread in Shillong,” Director of Health Services (MI), Dr Aman War told reporters here on Wednesday.

He said the plain belt area and Tikrikilla in Garo Hills are areas of concern, where it is suspected that the community spread has also started.

“However, a definite statement will be issued (to confirm the spread) as and when we complete the contact tracing,” Dr War said.

Only in the state capital, the Director said a total of 150 of 2,168 persons were found to be positive for COVID-19 during the random test conducted from August 16 till 3pm on Wednesday.

Of these, he said 38 positive cases were detected in Rilbong after random testing of over 701 people, 18 of 150 from Jhalupara, 6 of 140 from Upper Mawprem, 6 of 93 from Anjalee, was conducted from August 16 to August 18.

He however said during the same period, there were no positive cases detected during the random test conducted on 79 people in Mawpat, 123 in Umpling Lumdiengmet, 94 in Lumsohra and 144 in Khyndailad area.

Dr War further informed out of 226 people tested in Anjalee, 9 positive cases were detected during the random test conducted till 3 pm today. He said 9 positive cases of 82 were also detected in Khlieh Iew, 7 of 148 in Motphran and 3 of 165 in Khyndailad area.

Stating that the situation is very bad, the Director appealed to all citizens to refrain from venturing out of their homes unnecessarily and to strictly follow protocols issued by the health department in order to prevent further spread of the disease.