Covid-19 in Sikkim: 4 more cases detected; total climbs to 7

Guwahati: Sikkim, which for long enjoyed status as a 'corona-free' state, on Saturday reported 4 more Covid-19 positive cases, taking its tally of cases surging to 7.

The first of the cases, Namdok in East Sikkim, is a Delhi returnee who was staying in the Mining quarantine facility with his uncle who has tested positive for the virus. After his swab sample tested positive, he was transferred to the Farmer's Hostel quarantine facility in Sokeythang near the premier STNM Hospital. Meanwhile, contact tracing has revealed that he was in close touch with 27 persons, who are awaiting their test results.

The 2nd patient, a 22-year-old man who had returned from Covid-19 hotzone Maharashtra, had been in touch with the 3rd positive patient of Sikkim. The man had been kept at the STNM Hospital after his proximity to the Covid-19 patient became known.

The final 2 cases are both females from South Sikkim (aged 29 and 33) who had completed 14-days quarantine at the Kamrang Boys Hostel in South Sikkim.

While one of the cases had a travel history to Orissa and had 14 primary contacts, the other had a travel history to Hakimpara in Siliguri and she has 16 primary contacts, who are being tested.

It may be recalled here that Sikkim reported its first case of the Coronavirus on Saturday, May 23. The first positive patient from the state is a 25-year-old man who had returned to the state from New Delhi where he was preparing for the UPSC exams. Government sources said that both patients who are undergoing treatment at STNM Hospital in Sokeythang near Gangtok are asymptomatic. The second case was detected on Tuesday night when a Delhi returnee tested positive for the virus. The 56-year-old man, who returned from the national capital on May 25, was found to be COVID-19 positive. According to officials, the man was undergoing quarantine at a facility in the Mining Area of East Sikkim on arrival from Delhi.

Sikkim has reported its 3rd case of the Covid-19 on June 4 after a Mumbai returnee tested positive for the deadly pathogen.

climbsAlthough the state of Sikkim which was long untouched by the virus was eyeing to open up its schools and educational institutions in June, the opening has been deferred till July 1 said Chief Minister PS Golay. The CM told media that this decision has been taken in view of public safety amid coronavirus pandemic.

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