Coronavirus: Finally A Piece Of Good News For India

New Delhi: Even as several countries are grappling with the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), India has something to cheer about.

The second patient to have tested positive for COVID-19 in the country has been discharged from the isolation ward of Alappuzha Medical College Hospital in Kerala.

The patient, a student from Wuhan University, was discharged on Thursday, the Union Health Secretary, Preeti Sudan, informed on Friday.

Sudan said this during a video conferencing with the health secretaries from states/UTs along with senior officials of the central government to review their preparedness for the prevention and management of COVID-19.

The secretary informed that while the cases have not increased in the country, the vigil across the states needs to be kept high. The states were also urged to keep enhancing the awareness among the masses for prevention through personal hygiene, and self-reporting in case of any travel from China and other identified countries.

Sudan advised the states need to strengthen their rapid response teams to counter any eventuality. Also, there needs to be role clarity and robust administrative structures in place at all districts, she said.

The secretary assured that the situation in the country is under control and it is being regularly monitored by Prime Minister’s Office, Union Health Minister and Cabinet Secretary.

Also on Friday, an Odisha Health Department official said as many as 74 people in the state are under observation for coronavirus.

The official said those under observation had returned from Coronavirus-affected countries after January 15. They were identified by the state surveillance system and kept under home quarantine.

While blood and throat swab samples of seven persons were sent to Pune-based virology lab for tests, all were found negative, he informed.

The State Health Control Room is functioning 24×7 and queries of people are being addressed by Control Room number 0674-2390466.