JNIMS gets Real Time PCR to fight Covid-19

Shops in Manipur to open today

Our Correspondent
Imphal, April 10 (EMN): Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a national institute under the department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has joined hands with the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) to fight Covid-19.

On request from the authority of JNIMS, IBSD provided a Real Time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) machine along with consumables to supplement the existing functioning of VRDL (virus research and diagnostic laboratory), Microbiology department of JNIMS, in detecting Covid-19.

Real Time PCR is used to study gene expression, which is needed to diagnose the disease and is one of the most accurate laboratory methods for detecting, tracking, and studying the coronavirus.

This initiative was taken up under the guidance of Director Prof. Pulok K Mukherjee of IBSD, who congratulated the team of JNIMS under the leadership of Director Prof. Th Bhimo Singh of the facility for their service in fighting the pandemic during tough time. Mukherjee also said that IBSD was ready to extend any possible help to the institute in fighting Covid-19.

“The authority of the institute would like to laud the commendable services provided by the JNIMS during this global health crisis,” said Senior Administrative Officer Akbar Mazid in a press release. The staff of IBSD Imphal has donated one-day salary to PM CARES Fund. It may also be mentioned that IBSD had donated hand sanitisers to the media persons, police and sanitary workers of Imphal Municipal Council just before the announcement of nationwide lockdown.

Markets to open today

Manipur government has announced that all markets and shops in the state will be opened on Saturday for sale of essential commodities in view of the Easter Sunday and Cheiraoba celebrations.

The Consumers Affairs and Food, and Public Distribution Commissioner issued the order in this regard on Friday.

All petrol pumps will also be allowed to open for sale of POL (petroleum oil and lubricants) by maintaining social distancing norms of at least one metre at the petrol pumps, the order stated, adding that sale of petrol/diesel in jerry cans/drums may be advised except in rural areas where farmers may require it for agricultural purposes.

Lockdown violators detained

Thoubal district police detained 151 violators of curfew and lockdown from different areas of the district on Friday, police sources said. They have been produced before the Executive Magistrates and bound down under section 107 CrPC; and 137 vehicles were imposed fine, amounting to INR 18,000 under Motor Vehicle Act.

Additional Director General (L/O) of Police L Kailun has appealed to the public in a press release to follow the guidelines issued by the government and stay indoors.

A total of 433 of lockdown and curfew violations were reported and 349 vehicles seized from across the state on Friday.

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