IMPHAL, June 13 - Eight inmates of quarantine centres in Manipur have been jailed for violating the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) till date. Four days back, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had warned that any inmate of a quarantine centre who does not maintain discipline or flout the protocols, would be sent to jail.
He also cited lack of discipline among some inmates of quarantine centres and violation of safety guidelines as one of the main reasons for the rise in COVID-19 cases in Manipur. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reiterated today that �mischievous inmates� would be put behind bars.
Biren Singh was speaking during his visit to a new COVID Care Centre opened at the UNACCO School, Meitram, in Imphal West district. He was briefed by Health Services Director Dr K Rajo and other officials during the visit.
The Chief Minister stated that it was encouraging that MLAs, civil society organisations and several student bodies are actively involved in imparting awareness among inmates of quarantine centres so that they (the inmates) can realise the importance of maintaining safety guidelines.
Biren Singh said that around 48 patients are being treated in the new COVID Care Centre, and that the Government is considering to increase the number of beds from the existing 100 to 300. The Chief Minister also stated that necessary manpower has been deputed at the centre for proper care and treatment of patients.
The recovery rate of patients has also been increasing in the State, the Chief Minister claimed. Stating that the RIMS would not admit new COVID-19 patients now, Biren Singh said that it would function as a general hospital. The COVID-19 cases will be treated only at the JNIMS, COVID Care Centre, Meitram, and some other district hospitals, he added.
