COVID19
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Twenty individuals including the 11 ‘close contacts’ of the Air India pilot, who spent three nights on March 17-19 at Imphal, tested for COVID19 on Wednesday and were found negative.

However, “surveillance over them will continue”, said the additional director of Manipur health department, Dr. Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang, in a statement on Wednesday.

Manang also said in spite of COVID-19 lockdown, pharmacists/chemists are allowed to keep their shops remain open.

“Also movement of trucks carrying medicines is allowed and regularly monitored by the state government,” he added.

Also read: COVID-19: 11 ‘close contacts’ of Air India pilot traced in Imphal

“However, if any person faces difficulty in purchasing any essential medicines for personal use, Common Control Room may be contacted at phone no. 1800-345-3818,” Manang said.

“A dedicated Medicine Help Service desk for the purpose has become functional. All efforts should be made to assist in locating dealers/pharmacies having stock,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Manipur health department announced that 11 ‘close contacts’ of an Air India pilot, who spent three nights in March 17at Imphal, after his return from New York, were traced.

In a statement, Dr. Mangang on Tuesday said: “Although asymptomatic, they are under surveillance now and their samples will be tested at VRDL, RIMS.”

However, the health department spokesperson urged the people not to panic.

He stated: “The public is advised not to be panicky.”