The Mizoram government began screening passengers on the Indo-Myanmar border to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus, which have claimed more than 300 lives in China.
Official sources said screening counter and rapid response force have been set up at Zokhawthar in Champhai district on the Mizoram-Myanmar border as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
A medical team from state Health department led by medical officer Dr Samuel Laldinthara has been deployed and are conducting screening on travellers across the border base on their health status and travel history, the sources said.
Also read: Coronavirus: Central govt suspends air travel from China
The sources also said the Myanmar government has set up screening counters on other side of the border and began screening for coronavirus since January 27.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
The Mizoram government has also set up screening counter at the lone Lengpui airport where medical team was deployed to do screening on passengers coming from outside the State.
State Health department in a statement said no suspected case has been detected in the State till date and asked people not to believe in rumours.
Also read: Research reveals coronavirus may have originated from bats
The Health department also said two medical students, who returned from China on January 15, were confirmed free from novel coronavirus.
Meanwhile, rumours have been doing rounds in social media that a Chinese national, who had come to Serchhip town for International Paragliding Tournament slated for February 12, has been diagnosed with the deadly virus and was sent to Zoram Medical College (ZMC) for treatment.
Another rumour, which claimed that a Mizo trader, who had returned to Serchhip from China recently, was also found suspected to be infected with coronavirus is taking the social media platform by storm.
Also read: Coronavirus: Symptoms and precautions
After fact check, the government has rebuffed the rumours and termed it ‘baseless’.
A statement issued by state Information and Public Relation Department (I&PR) said Serchhip district information and public relations officer K Saitluanga contacted Serchhip district hospital medical superintendent Z D Lalmuanawma and officials overseeing the paragliding tournament.
They confirmed that it was baseless as no such case has been detected in the district.
The information officer was also informed that no pilot from China and other foreign countries have arrived in Serchhhip to take part at the tournament.