Meghalaya registers 78 new COVID-19 positive cases

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya registered 78 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The State also recorded 40 recoveries during the last 24 hours with East Khasi Hills accounting for 23 (one each from BSF and the armed forces; civilians: 21); West Garo Hills: nine (BSF: eight; civilian: one); and Ri Bhoi: eight (all civilians). So far, the State has 725 recoveries, informed the Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman Warr.

The number of samples sent for testing till Wednesday afternoon are 44,695. Of these, while 42,700 samples tested negative, results of 460 samples are being awaited. A total of 29,135 citizens of Meghalaya returned till Wednesday afternoon, informed Dr Warr.

Of the 78 new corona cases, East Khasi Hills registered the highest number of 47 cases (BSF: 17; others: 30); followed by 27 cases in West Garo Hills (BSF: 18; and others: nine); and two cases each in East Jaintia Hills (both returnees from Assam); and also North Garo Hills.

Dr Warr also informed that during random testing undertaken since August 16 till August 19, a total of 2,168 persons were tested in various areas in East Khasi Hills District and 96 persons tested positive.

The Director of Health Services also informed that Shillong is going towards community spread of COVID-19, adding that similar community spread is witnessed even in Phulbari and Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills. He, however, said that a definite statement on this will be given after thoroughly analysing the matter and when contact tracing is completed.

The total active cases in Meghalaya now stands at 804 with East Khasi Hills accounting for 470 (others: 298; BSF: 96, and armed forces: 76); West Garo Hills: 207; Ri-Bhoi: 95; North Garo Hills: 10; East Jaintia Hills: eight; four each in West Jaintia Hills and South West Garo Hills; three in West Khasi Hills; two in South Garo Hills; and one in South West Khasi Hills.

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