COVID-19: 10 out of 12 suspected cases test negative, 2 waiting results in Manipur

New Delhi, March 5 (PTI): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday said out of 12 suspected cases of coronavirus infection 10 have been found negative and two are still waiting for test results.

Stating that all precautionary measures have been taken up, he said biometric attendance has been temporarily suspended for one month in the state.

“More than 1,20,000 visitors have been screened since Jan 18, 2020 in the State. Out of 12 suspected cases, 10 were found negative and 2 still waiting for results,” Singh tweeted.

He further said ten isolated rooms have already been opened at the state’s two main hospitals — RIMS and JNIMS.

Reiterating that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Manipur, Singh said the government is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and taking up all precautionary measures.

“I appeal to the people of the state not to panic. Biometric attendance is temporarily suspended for one month in the State,” he added.

4.06 lakh passengers screened in Sikkim; suspends issuing ILP to foreigners
The Sikkim government has said that over 4.06 lakh passengers arriving in the state have been screened so far for coronavirus infection, but no positive case has been detected.

A total of 69,734 vehicles have been stopped for checking at Utteray, Ramman, Rangpo, Reshi and Melli checkposts and 4,06,993 passengers screened for symptoms of coronavirus, but no positive case has been found in Sikkim till date, a statement issued by the state health department said.

However, 14 passengers have reported their “travel history connected with China and Nepal”.

Though no passenger has been detected with symptoms of coronavirus or referred as suspects or quarantined, four have been kept under observation as a precautionary measure, the statement said on Wednesday.

Health and family welfare secretary-cum-director general Pempa T. Bhutia has asked all district magistrates to take steps to deal with any situation in the wake of reports of outbreak of the disease in different parts of the country.

A total of 28 COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in India so far, according to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.

Meanwhile, the Sikkim government on Thursday decided to suspend issuing Inner Line Permit (ILP) to foreign nationals following coronavirus scare as a precautionary measure, a senior official said.

“In view of rapid spread of coronavirus, no ILP may be issued to foreign nationals, including those from Bhutan, with effect from today,” a Home Department notification issued by Joint Secretary Parina Gurung said.

In addition, no permits will be issued by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department for travel to Nathula with immediate effect, she said.

Foreign nationals are required to obtain ILP from the state government to visit Sikkim, while a domestic tourist must get permit from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department to visit Nathula, a mountain pass in East Sikkim district which links the state with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.

Though over four lakh people visiting the state have been screened, nobody has tested positive for the virus so far.