Meghalaya Inches Closer to Corona-Free Status as 11th Patient Tests 'Negative' for 1st Time

Shillong:

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma earlier today indicated that the state is inching closer towards a corona free status after it was observed that the 11th patient in the state was detected 'negative' for the very first time.

Talking to THE SENTINEL DIGITAL earlier today, Meghalaya Health Minister Al Hek confirned the development. "The 11th patient, a female, has tested negative for the coronavirus for the very first time. However, before declaring her free of the virus, we again have to go for a test within 24 hours to ascertain that she is indeed free.

Hek also said that this is a good sign for Meghalaya as the state continues to inch towards a corona free status. "Today only she was detected 'negative'. After this case, we will be closer to a corona free status for the state. The woman who was tested negative today is a family friend of the index patient who passed away in Shillong. One more case is there – a maid of the index patient's family. Although she is positive, she is not undergoing treatment as she is yet to exhibit any symptoms", Hek told us.

The Minister further informed that the real challenge to the state will come knocking after the lockdown. "Post-lockdown, the scenario will be difficult because so many people will be returning back. Already, many from the Northeast Indian states have started trickling in. The challenge will be there, but I think we are doing a commendable job", said Hek.

It may be mentioned here that the first case in Meghalaya was detected in April. The 69-year-old doctor at a Shillong based hospital had tested positive on April 13 and later died of the infection. The state has so far reported 13 cases of the virus.

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