Meghalaya COVID-19 update | 7 family members of 11th postive case tested negative

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 21, 2020

A 42-year-old woman, who is a family friend of the first COVID-19 patient, has also tested positive, increasing the number of active cases to 11 in the state. 

“The 11th active patient, who was tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday (April 20), is a close family friend of the index case (first COVID-19 patient). The person is under quarantine,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said in his daily media briefing on Tuesday. 

He said a rapid anti-body test has been conducted today on all the 7 family members of the 11th positive patient and the all test results came out ‘negative’. 

Also Read | Fresh case reported in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills

The CM also informed that of the total 938 samples tested, 821 were negative and the number of test results awaited is 100.

“As of now, we have 11 active cases in our state, an increase by one since yesterday. The condition of all the patients is stable,” he said. 

#COVID19 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 | 𝐌𝐞𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚

933 samples have been sent for testing. 821 samples are tested negative. There are 12 positive cases to date out of which 11 are active. Test results of 100 samples are awaited.

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 21, 2020

Also Read | Coronavirus | Meghalaya CS clarifies effective date for registration

Sangma further informed that the state has received 7,500 rapid testing kits allotted by the government of India. “We have immediately using them also,” he said.

Also Read | No relaxation of lockdown in East Khasi Hills: Tynsong

He said the government has also taken steps to increase the testing capacity of the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS).

Also Read | DC invites volunteers to serve at Corona Care Centre

“We have taken steps to increase the real time PCR test capacity by deploying the Gen Expert machines at the NEIGRIHMS. The government is currently waiting for the catriges which are due to arrive soon and the installation of these machines would enhance the state’s sample testing capacity to 80 more test per day in addition to the 90 test per day at NEIGRIHMS,” the CM said.

Also Read | One person murdered by 5 miscreants amidst National Lockdown