Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government on Monday procured five machines, one-of-a-kind PCR-based diagnostic kit and 2000 rapid COVID-19 testing kits, which will help get results within an hour of the testing. The facilities will help speed up the screening process of suspected coronavirus patients.
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Speaking to media persons, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that as of Sunday, 563 COVID-19 tests have been conducted, with seven positive cases being reported. “In the present time, the spread of COVID-19 is unpredictable and hence our preparedness is an absolute necessity,” Rane said.
He said that the State government has procured five machines, 2000 ‘Truenat’ rapid testing kits and a one-of-a-kind PCR-based diagnostic kit, which will produce results in an hour from the time of testing.
He said the machines have been installed at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Sub-district hospital Ponda and Asilo Hospital. “We will start screening patients placed in these facilities within the next 24 hours,” Rane said, adding that the procurement will help speed up the screening process and further help curb the spread of the deadly infection.
Further, Rane said that the government has requisitioned Goa International Centre (GIC), as another quarantine facility to ensure proximity to GMC. “We will ensure that quarantined patients are provided with quality services like food facilities, good equipment, etc,” he said.
Meanwhile, as per the Health Bulletin issued by Directorate of Health Services, one new COVID-19 suspect patient has been admitted in the isolation ward of GMC, taking the total number of suspects to 20. On Monday, 70 passengers were home quarantined.
Of the 72 samples sent for testing, the reports of 36 have come negative, while another 36 are pending.
All the seven patients, who tested positive for the infection, are undergoing treatment at the COVID hospital Margao.
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State urges screening of people with travel history
The Health Department has urged people who travelled to India after March 8, from cruise ships or oil rigs, to get themselves screened for COVID-19.
In an advisory issued, the department said, “Persons who have returned to India after March 8, 2020 and who have travelled from cruise ships or oil rigs as a passenger or seafarer, and have/had symptoms like fever, cough or breathlessness are requested to report to Helpline 104 or call 0832-2421810/2225538 or report to the nearest government health facility.”
