28 more tests positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya, tally rises to 297

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 15, 2020

Twenty-eight more persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday taking the total active cases in the state to 297 even as random testing in areas surrounding the BSF headquarters at Umpling has also begun.

“We have 28 new cases reported today which include 19 from BSF in Shillong and 9 from the armed forces (6 from East Khasi Hillsand 3 from Ri Bhoi) while one BSF jawan from Tura has recovered,” Health Minister AL Hek told reporters.

He said the state now have a total of 297 active cases. These include 261 in East Khasi Hills (198 BSF, 14 armed forces and 49 others), 22 in Ri Bhoi, 8 in West Garo Hills, 2 in East Jaintia Hills, 2 in South Garo Hills, 1 in North Garo Hills and 1 in East Garo Hills.

Hek also informed that a total of 25,263 samples were sent for testing as on Wednesday of which 24,597 were found negative while test results of 320 are awaited. Over 21,977 people have also returned to the state.

The health minister further informed that random testing has started today from Umpling and report is awaited. He said the exercise will be conducted at Nongmynsong, Mawpat and Langkyrding on Thursday.

The government has decided to conduct the random testing of people residing in areas surrounding the BSF headquarters at Umpling, which has been declared as a containment area, after nearly 200 BSF jawans were tested positive for COVID-19.

On the other hand, Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War informed that no positive case was detected from the random testing for COVID-19 conducted at Khanapara-B and 13^th Mile in Ri Bhoi district.

“However, a total of 17 positive cases were detected from the contact tracing of the index patient at Khanapara,” he said.