GANGTOK, May 30 - The first batch of 32 frontline health workers engaged in treating Sikkim�s first COVID-19 patient at the STNM Hospital at Sochakgang have been relieved this morning after completion of their week-long COVID-19 duty.
The team of health workers, including a medical specialist, one paediatrician, two medical officers and one dental surgeon, besides nursing staff, medical attendants and sanitary attendants, received a huge round of applause from officials and staff of the hospital while on their way to a government quarantine facility here where they will stay for 14 days.
The hospital staff also welcomed and cheered the next batch of 32 health workers when they entered the dedicated COVID-19 hospital to report for duty.
Additional Medical Superintendent Dr Yudok Bhutia said that samples of all the outgoing healthcare workers were tested a day prior to the completion of their duty and the results were negative.
She stated that the State�s first Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at the STNM Hospital, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on May 21, has become fully operational.
A total of 12 samples were tested at the laboratory on May 29 and all the results have come negative.
Sikkim reported its first COVID-19 case last week when a 25-year-old returnee, who was under quarantine, tested positive.
Bhutia said the patient�s condition is stable, and that his viral load has gone down. He will be tested again next week.
The frontline healthcare warriors have been widely commended for their determination, grit and selflessness in the fight against the pandemic in the State.
In another development, 21 stranded people of Sikkim arrived at the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station on a Shramik Special train from Chennai last night.
After completing the protocols, the returnees were taken to a hotel in Siliguri. They were given dinner packets by an NGO, Helping Hands. They will be taken to Melli and Rangpo in Sikkim on buses today.
