Doctor at Bethany hospital came out negative after re-test

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 1, 2020

A doctor of a privately-run Bethany hospital, who has tested positive for COVID-19, was found to be negative after retest was conducted, officials said on Saturday.

The Nodal Officer & Spokesperson of Bethany Hospitals, Dr Kyntiewlang Sanmiet informed that the doctor’s swab was taken on July 29, his report came out to be positive and he was immediately taken from his residence to a corona care centre for quarantine.

“As instructed by the government, retesting was done on July 30 and he tested negative on the second test. The said doctor is doing well and asymptomatic,” Dr Sanmiet said.

“As COVID-19 is a new virus and not much is known about it, there is a possibility that a person can be tested negative one day after being tested positive.That is why we appeal the public not to panic as recovery can happen after a day,” he added.

Stating that the hospital has not been shut down, the nodal officer said that the hospital OPD and all services are open.

“We have gone over and above the necessary steps to ensure utmost patient safety and quality of care. COVID-19 prevention standards, like screening of all patients and visitors, physical distancing, issuing of masks and other protective equipment to all staff every day, daily disinfection and spraying of the hospital and all infection control measures are strictly enforced inside the hospital premises,” he said.

He informed that the staff of the hospital were regularly tested to ensure no one is a COVID-19 carrier and so far all were negative.

As per hospital protocol, he said any doctor or staff has to be tested for COVID-19 before resuming his/her duties for the safety of all patients and staff.

“As we move towards the new normal, be assured that we do our best continuously to deliver quality patient care. Your patience and support are much appreciated especially during these trying times,” Dr Sanmiet said.