IMPHAL, May 22 - One more person tested at the Virus Research and Diagnosis Laboratory (VRDL) here, was found positive for COVID-19 today. With the new detection, the total number of active cases in Manipur has increased to 24.
Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang, Additional Director of the State Health Department, said that the man (22) was tested at the VRDL, RIMS, and found positive. The patient belongs to a group of stranded people who had returned to the State from Delhi by road. He is now admitted to the COVID-19 care facility at the RIMS.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today said that his Government�s primary mission is to prevent any possible community transmission in the State by giving proper medical attention to those returnees who have tested positive, besides intensifying the preventive measures through government protocols.
The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference here. Health Minister L Jayentakumar, Revenue Minister K Shyam and Education Minister Th Radheshyam were also present during the press conference.
�We have taken necessary steps to test those returning from other Red Zone areas first,� Biren Singh said, adding that 770 quarantine centres have been opened across the State. All the returnees will be kept at a particular quarantine centre for further medical examination.
After COVID-19 tests, the returnees will be allowed to move into quarantine centres located in their respective constituencies. If their test results are negative, they will be kept under home quarantine. Those who face inconvenience for home quarantine, will be accommodated at community quarantine centres.
The Chief Minister said that the number of tests at the RIMS and the JNIMS has increased to 200-300 per day. A total of 700 to 800 samples are being collected daily.
Acknowledging the efforts of frontline workers and local volunteers in the fight against COVID-19, Biren Singh assured that the Government would provide due compensation to local volunteers, truck drivers, handymen, etc., in case of any untoward incident as per the norms laid by the Centre.
Meanwhile, the Korean Manipuri Association donated COVID-19 testing kits, while the Tata Trust donated PPE kits and surgical masks. Later, the Chief Minister handed over the testing and PPE kits along with the masks to JNIMS and RIMS officials.
