Manipur RIMS OPD block closed after staff tests Covid-19 positive

Our Correspondent

Imphal, July 21 (EMN): The General Out-Patient Department (OPD) block and few departments of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) have been ordered to close till July 25 after an attendant of the premier medical institute in northeast tested positive for Covid-19, officials said.

“However emergency services, cancer department, ante-natal department, psychiatry OPD, PMR OPD and dental colleges will continue to function,” said Prof Ch Arunkumar Singh, medical superintendent of RIMS in a press release. “The in-patient services will continue. This is done in the interest of the public.”

On Monday, one attendant of the department of Respiratory Medicine, RIMS hospital who was not posted in Covid-19 area was found to be positive for Covid-19.

As a preventive measure, the RIMS authority ordered to close the places the attendant visited in the hospital which include respiratory medicine OPD, respiratory medicine ward, ECG room in OPD block, radiodiagnosis department, respiratory medicine department, plastic surgery department till July 25.

Meanwhile Bishnupur District Administration along with medical team, Bishnupur Municipal Council members, Covid Relief Committee members and Meira Paibi (womenfolk) leaders inspected and decided to relocate Covid care centre from the district hospital to Old DC Office Complex at Loukoipat, Bishnupur with immediate effect due to immense pressure from the local public for allowing district hospital, Bishnupur to resume its normal functioning. Bishnupur district hospital has been used as Covid care centre since June 8.

On the other hand, considering the increase in Covid active cases in the district during the past few days, the deputy commissioner of Thoubal district in an order today directed that all the main markets including Thoubal and Lilong bazars located within Thoubal district to remain closed with immediate effect.

During the present lockdown period, all religious places/place of worship shall be closed for public and religious congregations, the order said. Any person violating the order will be punishable as per provision of Section 188 of the IPC 1860.

Later the state authority ordered complete lockdown in the district until further orders till July 27. Mention may be made that several regions of Thoubal district have been notified containment zones to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the last few days.