Death toll rises by two, Nemcha Kipgen tested positive
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 25 2020: Whereas two women died from COVID-19 during the last 48 hours pushing the toll to 24, Social Welfare & Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen has become the first Minister in the State to be tested positive for the virus.

According to a press release issued by Additional Director (Health) and COVID-19 Common Control Room spokesman Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang, two COVID-19 positive women who had co-morbid health conditions died at RIMS during the last 48 hours.

A 70-year old woman from Iroishemba, Imphal West district died at RIMS yesterday morning followed by another 41-year old woman from Chingmeirong, Imphal East this morning.

Social Welfare & Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen was tested positive for the contagion at Babina Diagnostic Centre today.

Death toll rises by two, Nemcha Kipgen tested positive

Subsequently, she has put herself under self isolation at her Lamphel quarters.

Notably, Congress MLA Fajur Rahim was the first MLA to be infected by the virus in the State.

Meanwhile, taking serious note of the COVID-19 situation in the State, the Health Department has initiated due process to purchase 1000 Remdesivir vials with due permission of the State Government.

On the other hand, 208 persons were tested positive during the last 48 hours at RIMS, Raj Medicity, Babina Diagnostic Centre, Imphal East, Thoubal RAT, Churachandpur, Chandel, Imphal West RAT and Shija Hospital.

Of the 82 people tested positive during the last 24 hours, eight are CAPF personnel.

The civilians belong to Imphal West (38), Imphal East (7), Thoubal (10), Bishnupur (13), Churachandpur (4) and Chandel (2).Among the 74 civilians who were tested positive during the last 24 hours, 70 have no history of travelling outside the State.

During the last 24 hours, 99 COVID-19 patients were discharged from RIMS (4), CAPF (23), CCC Lamboi Khongnangkhong (26), CCC Meitram (22), CCC Thoubal (6), CCC Phungyar (3), CCC Rengpang (8) and RD Wing (7) after they were found COVID-19 free.

Meanwhile, the recovery rate has improved to 70.02 per cent.

The cumulative figure of COVID-19 positive cases has surged to 5444 (general public 4013, Central security personnel 1431) .

This includes 1608 active cases (general public 836, Central security personnel 772) and 3812 discharged cases (general public 3154, Central security personnel 658).In the meantime, the Home Department has issued guidelines for Unlock-3.The guidelines prohibit gatherings related to cultural, social, political, sports, entertainment, academic and religious activities.

Gathering of people more than the permitted number would invite penalty of Rs 10,000 while violation of social distancing norms and not wearing face masks in public places would entail fine of Rs 200 each.

Violation of other guidelines would entail fine of Rs 1000.It is said that four nurses working in the ICU of Advance Hospital, Palace Compound have been found infected by the contagion.

As such, the hospital is likely to be sealed for sometime.

As many as 19 personnel of Assam Rifles posted in Tamenglong district have been tested positive while 14 other people have been infected by the virus in Noney.

Further, 49 residents of Imphal West have been found infected by the virus after rapid antigen test and normal testing at Babina Diagnostic Centre.

Among them, 17 are residents of Khagempalli Pankha Ningom Leirak, four are residents of Paona Keithel while seven are residents of Sagolband Sapam Leirak.

Out of 339 samples subjected to rapid antigen test at Thoubal, eight were found positive whereas 16 people were found infected by the contagion out of 649 people tested at JNIMS today.