Mass testing in Senapati: 248 tested, four positive
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, June 09 2021:
Senapati district started COVID-19 mass testing for shopkeepers and taxi drivers (including autos) on Wednesday at Apfii Saliki (Women's Market), Senapati.
On the first day of the mass testing drive which will continue till June 12, samples of 248 persons were examined out of which four were found positive for the infectious disease.
The drive is being reportedly taken up in preparation for gradual relaxation of containment measures from June 14, subject to new SOP of the government.
The SDO/ SDM, Senapati and District Surveillance Officer (DSO), Senapati in coordination with Karong Senapati Town Committee (KSTC) are working out schedule/batches for testing as per the capacity of the medical department.
Different shopkeepers, taxi drivers and general public were seen coming for the testing on Wednesday.
Briefing media persons, Senapati DSO Dr Jacob, stated that the mass testing is being carried out as per an order issued by the deputy commissioner in view of the government's plan to open some shops in phase-wise manner if positivity rate declines.
There is fear that the virus could spread to commuters and shoppers without conducting mass tests.
The most important target is to prevent further spread of the virus among the general populace in the district, the doctor added.
The DSO informed that all the positive people are asymptomatic and they have been instructed for strict home isolation and also told to contact the medical team or move to isolation ward of the district hospital if their conditions worsened.
The positive people were reportedly given first aid medicines before they were sent for home isolation.