PANJIM: A Kerala native, who had travelled to Goa and had been kept in isolation for suspected coronavirus, has tested negative.
The person had arrived in Goa two days ago, and had been quarantined at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) after he developed symptoms of flu. “The blood sample report is negative,” a Health Department official said. Currently, one more patient is in isolation and the blood sample report is awaited.
Goa has had 18 suspected Coronavirus cases till now, however, none have tested positive, while 153 persons have been quarantined at home since January 29.
In order to review the preparedness to tackle the novel Coronavirus spread in the State, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane held a meeting with the heads of departments of GMC along with Health Secretary Nila Mohanan, GMC Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar and others.
After the meeting, Rane said that an action plan to bend the curve of the fast-growing virus was discussed. “Directorate of Health Services has been asked to acquire travel history of suspected coronavirus patients and any traveller arriving in the State from the infected country will be quarantined,” he said.
The Minister said that containment measures have been taken with 24-hour running OPD, which is overseen by senior consultants to cater to suspected patients. “Taking further action, a new State-of-the-art virology lab will be set up within a month with high-end equipment,” he added.
He said that hospitals and the ambulances will be disinfected regularly to help contain and prevent the spread of any virus or bacteria. “Also, our priority is the safety of our doctors and staff and we are ensuring the same in the process,” Rane said.
Stating that use of sterilium is mandatory at all the entry and exit points, Rane said that government is looking at procuring additional masks and bottles of sterilium.
