Shillong: Meghalaya has recorded its first COVID-19 fatality after a gap of two years, taking the state’s toll to 1,626, health officials said on Friday.
Officials said a 46-year-old man, a resident of the New Bhaitbari area in West Garo Hills district, tested positive for the infection at Tura Holy Cross Hospital.
The patient was rushed to Tura Holy Cross Hospital in the district headquarters of West Garo Hills five days after he complained of breathlessness and high fever.
“We have had one casualty due to COVID this morning. We want to share this information as it would be correct rather than the media getting information from sources,” Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, said.
Lyngdoh said there is no cause for panic, but people need to follow COVD related protocols. However, she advised citizens travelling from states with a high positivity rate to take additional precautions.
“As of today (Friday), there are 17 positive cases in the state, out of which five are in East Khasi Hills district, ten in West Garo Hills district, and two in West Jaintia Hills district,” the Health Minister said.
Lyngdoh said the numbers are well under control and reiterated that there is nothing to worry about as there are no signs that COVID will again assume the form of a pandemic.
She urged the public to wear masks in crowded places and follow hygiene practises like washing hands with sanitizer.
Stating that Meghalaya is in a fully prepared state to tackle the infection, the Minister said testing centres would be made available at all the blocks and COVID care centres.
Lyngdoh said the state has to purchase vaccines for the third or booster dose as these vaccines will no longer be made available from the central government.
Another meeting with the Health Minister will be held next week in the presence of the Chief Minister to discuss the vaccination of people in the state.
