COVID-19: Testing of samples begins in Mizoram

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COVID-19: Testing of samples begins in Mizoram
Aizawl, April 7 () Mizoram began testing samples ofpersons suspected to be infected with novel coronavirus at astate-run hospital on Tuesday, Health Minister Dr RLalthangliana said.

He said that a COVID-19 testing laboratory was set upat the Zoram Medical College in just eight days.

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Nasopharyngeal swab samples of 14 doctors, nurses andhealth workers treating the lone COVID-19 patient in the stateand the sample of another person suspected to be infected withthe disease were tested in the laboratory, he said.

"Test results are expected later in the evening," theminister said, adding that the samples of the hospital staffwere tested as a precautionary measure and they did notexhibit any coronavirus-like symptom.

The condition of the 50-year-old COVID-19 patient, whohad travelled to the Netherlands, is stable, he said.

The state government has also procured 1,000 testingkits from Assam, Lalthangliana said.

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Security has been beefed-up and strict vigilance is inplace along Mizoram's borders with Assam and Tripura.

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme state nodalofficer Dr Pachuau Lalmalsawma told that 58 samples havebeen tested till Monday and all barring that of the COVID-19patient have tested negative for the disease.

The state government is conducting a stricterscreening of truck drivers transporting essential commoditiesto Mizoram, he said. CORACD ACD
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