COVID19 positive

A branch manager of the State Bank of India (SBI), who travelled from Assam and tested positive for COVID19 in Meghalaya, was found to have violated the COVID19 protocol.

Meghalaya health minister, A L Hek told reporters on Tuesday evening that the branch manager was newly appointed at SBI Khliehriat branch in East Jaiñtia Hills district.

The branch manager was not screened at the Byrnihat check-point in Ri-Bhoi district after entering Meghalaya.

The bank official is the 52nd COVID19 positive case recorded in Meghalaya.

Health director (MI) Dr Aman War said the branch manager had shown his identity card at the Byrnihat check-point and those manning the check point did not screen him and allowed to pass through, thinking that he would stop in Shillong and get himself tested at the Shillong Civil Hospital.

“However he proceeded straight to Khliehriat. It was only after the vigilant Dorbar Shnong (local administrative body) at Khliehriat informed the office of the East Jaiñtia Hills DC about the arrival of the branch manager and the DC office informed the same to the health department,” said Dr War.

“After that he was sent for quarantine after taking his sample for COVID19 test and the result came out positive,” he added.

Asked if the SBI branch manager has violated the protocol, Dr War said, “It appears to be a case of violation (of the protocol) and we would find out that if it is, an FIR has to be filed.”

Health minister Hek also echoed the same saying that action would be taken and an FIR would be filed against the branch manager.