Manipur government is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and taking up all precautionary measures to counter coronavirus in the northeastern state.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said this while addressing a press conference in Imphal after reviewing the state’s preparedness to tackle the spread of disease.
Singh urged the people to not panic over the coronavirus and undertake basic self preventive measures such as washing hands regularly, using a mask, avoid mass gatherings, cover mouth while coughing and sneezing etc.
The state chief secretary J Suresh Babu led state’s top health officials including Director (Health Services) and others were also present during the press conference.
Informing that the government has already undertaken preventive measures since January 18, 2020, Biren said there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus Manipur.
Till now, a total of 1,21,629 persons have been screened at Imphal International Airport and various surface points of entry at Moreh, Behiang, Sinzawl, Tusom, Kamjong, Mao gate, Jiribam etc, he said.
“12 samples were sent for laboratory testing. Out of which, 10 samples were negative and report for another 2 is still awaited,” Singh informed.
Stating that around 352 persons have been kept under surveillance, he stated that we need to take such precautionary measures as the disease’s incubation period is 14 days.
Isolation wards having 8 beds with 4 ventilators were set up at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital and similar isolation ward consisting of 6 beds with 1 ventilator was also set up at JNIMS hospital for emergencies, he said.
The state will start issuing visitors forms at the important entry points of the state besides suspending biometric attendance in government offices temporarily, he said.
He informed that a control room has also begun functioning 24×7 with toll-free number 0385-2411668.