Over 4.6 lakh samples tested for COVID-19

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 18: Out of 4,60,665 samples tested for COVID-19 in the State since the outbreak of the pandemic, 27,540 were found infected by the virus.
This was stated by Health Director Dr K Rajo during a weekly media briefing held at the Medical Directorate, Lamphelpat today.    
With more and more people opting for home isolation in case they get infected by COVID-19 and in view of the declining number of positive cases, the State Government has already decided to close down six COVID Care Centres, Dr Rajo said.
Till December 17, the State recorded 332 COVID-19 related deaths while the total number of active cases was 1,872.
The month of October witnessed the highest number of positive cases while maximum COVID-19 deaths were recorded in November, said the Health Director.
Even though the recovery rate has now improved to 91.97 per cent  which means the fight against the virus has been effective.
The Disaster Management Act 2005 and the Manipur Essential Services Maintenance Act 2010 were invoked to ensure that health care services are provided properly to the public. Disciplinary actions were initiated against some people who violated these Acts, Dr Rajo conveyed.              
After thermal screening of people at Mao Gate and Jiribam was discontinued since December 14, COVID-19 screening at Imphal airport was also stopped from December 17, he said.
Although positive cases have been declining, COVID-19 positive people are still dying in the State. As such, awareness campaigns on COVID-19 (Jan Andolan) would go on till March 2021, Dr Rajo informed.
He said that media took a major role in containing the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
State Surveillance Officer Dr N Somorjit informed that the serosurveillance work undertaken in four districts since November 30 is almost complete.
Collection of samples to the targeted numbers has been completed for Imphal West, Imphal East and Kakching districts. However, samples are yet to be collected from two villages of Ukhrul district, Dr Somorjit said.