Random testing detects five cases in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service
Ukhrul, May 31 2021:
Amid the rapid spike in Covid-19 cases and the threat of widespread community transmission of the contagion across the state, Ukhrul district on Monday began random rapid testing of public members in the main town areas.
On the first day of the testing drive, five positive cases were detected - two from Viewland and three from Phungreitang market areas, said a source from the District Surveillance Office.
A total of 124 persons were tested at the main town areas of Winotang, Viewland and Phungreitang during the drive, it said.
The random Covid tests were jointly conducted by the District Medical Department and the Police Department.
While the test exercise was a good step to ascertain the level of community spread of the contagion in the district, the very manner of some police personnel yelling at the public in a threatening voice to take the test left many terrified.
Some of the public members related that many people were subjected to the rapid tests forcibly against their will and the police even threatened to them with a cane stick.
As town residents said, people would be more willing to comply or take the test if the police behave in a polite and understanding manner and convince the people on the need for the tests, rather than terrifying the unsuspecting passers-by on the road and at banks.
On the other hand, another fresh 16 cases have been detected including 11 which were found on contact tracing on Sunday, the source said.
On the same day, a total of 27 patients were discharged from the isolation centres, bringing the active cases down to 100.The total number cumulative number of positive cases currently stands at 386.The district has so far recorded 14 deaths due to Covid-19 till Monday, May 31.Meanwhile, Kamjong district recorded 0 positive cases on Monday, said an official source.
A total of 34 persons were tested and none of them turned out positive, it added.