IMPHAL, April 18 - After Manipur�s first COVID-19 patient walked out of hospital after testing negative thrice, the second patient of the State also tested negative today, official sources said.
The second patient undergoing treatment at the RIMS Hospital, was tested at the VRDLs of the RIMS and the JNIMS and he tested negative, said Additional Director of the State Health Department, Dr Sasheekumar Mamgang, in a press release. The COVID-19 patient is likely to be discharged if the next test result is also negative.
The first COVID-19 case in the State was reported on March 24, while the second positive case was confirmed on April 2. The first patient, a female, was discharged from hospital on April 12 and has been on a 14-day home quarantine since.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Secretary, in a review meeting held at the Secretariat here, appreciated the efforts of the State Health Department and advised to increase the quarantine and testing facilities, according to a release issued by the COVID-19 Common Control Room. The RIMS and JNIMS authorities have been instructed not to curtail emergency services, the release added.
However, the public have been advised to avoid non-essential visits to hospitals. But they may avail of emergency and casualty services of the government hospitals at the RIMS and the JNIMS. They can also avail of dialysis services in these hospitals.
So far, 1,92,335 people have been screened by the State Health authorities at various entry points in Manipur, while tests were conducted on 328 persons, official sources said. As on Saturday, a total of 96 persons are staying at government quarantine centres. As many as 263 persons have already completed their quarantine period at these centres.
