Govt awaits COVID-19 test results of 185 samples

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 15, 2020

Meghalaya government is waiting for the test results of over 185 samples after the state registers its first COVID-19 death on Wednesday. 

Of this, 6 more people have been tested postive and they are those who have had primary contacts with the first COVID-19 patient.

Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Health & Family Welfare Sampath Kumar in a statement issued here said, “It is with utmost giref that I announce the first COVID-19 death in the state of Meghalaya at 2.30 am today 15th April, Dr John L Sailo Ryntathiang, the Director of Bethany Hospital, Nongrim Hills, Shillong.”

Sampath informed that since the detection of the first case, the number of samples collected are 185 out of which 161 are from East Khasi Hills District and 24 from Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District. 

“The number of samples tested positive from first batch of 68 (samples) as follows: 6 positive and 6 others have been sent for reconfirmation. The profile of the postive cases are: 3 females, 2 males and 1 child,” he said. 

The senior government official further informed that the results of the other samples are awaited from NEIGRIHMS, GMC, Guwahati and Barpeta Medical College. 

According to him, some of the samples had to be sent to Guwahati and Barpeta due to urgency of the matter and limited capacity of the testing facility in NEIGRIHMS.