SANGUEM: The health authorities at the Sanguem Primary Health Centre (PHC) on Tuesday collected swab samples of 26 persons from the Ponsamoll ward in Uguem, who had reportedly come in contact with a COVID-19 patient from the village. The patient, a KTC driver, was reportedly commuting along the Vasco-Margao route for the past several days. After the patient was tested positive for COVID-19, the health authorities immediately got him admitted to the designated COVID-19 Hospital at Margao. The health authorities on Tuesday collected the swab samples of 26 locals, which included his immediate family members and friends.
Incidentally, many locals urged the health officials at the Sanguem PHC to get their test done for the virus. However, the health officials had sent the villagers back without conducting the tests due to non-availability of enough number of testing kits.
The health authorities advised the villagers to remain home quarantined for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus in the locality.
But the locals complained to the health authorities of the loss of income they will have to face by undergoing home quarantine. However, the PHC is faced with difficulties in collecting the swab samples of all locals.
The villagers informed that on the previous day of being found positive, the patient had met several people in the village.
It is pertinent to note that this is the second positive case in Sanguem. The first was that of a health worker, a resident of Mugoli ward in Uguem, who worked at Urban Health Centre Vasco.
