5T Secretary VK Pandian has reviewed the measures initiated by the state government to tackle any exigencies arising out of the novel coronavirus scare. This update comes a day after a student of Wuhan University was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital for screening and tests.
Pandian instructed health officials to remain alert and intensify awareness campaigns across the state. Eight people have been kept in isolation, out of which six are being observed in-home, as they have all recently returned from China.
“Of the six blood and swab samples, five tested negative and report of one is awaited. We have opened a control room and issued toll-free numbers. Educational institutions and industries have been urged to inform about the travel history of students and employees from these countries. Their identity will not be disclosed,” said a health official.
Experts from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune have conducted a training session for laboratory technicians and doctors from three medical colleges.
“RMRC does not collect samples directly from patients. Since the lab technicians do it at their end, they were trained about the procedures of sample collection and three-layer packaging. The technicians were also educated about their protective gear,” said RMRC Director Sanghamitra Pati.
Currently, the state does not have information on people returning from China. Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Kishore Das has asked the Collectors to collate the data. The Centre has also been requested to share all possible details available with the Ministry of External Affairs.