Following the recent spurt in local transmission cases of the novel coronavirus, the Mizoram Government has allowed four private hospitals here to test samples for COVID-19 with rapid antigen test kits.
“In the interest of public service, the Health and Family Welfare Department is pleased to authorize the following private hospitals to carry out screening of COVID-19 by Rapid Antigen Test (RAgT) provided that SOPs for sample collection, data management, management of Bio-Medical Wastes and all other guidelines issued by the Government from time to time are strictly followed,” an order issued today stated.
The four private hospitals are Synod Hospital, Ebenezer Medical Centre, BN Hospital and Trinity Hospital.
Meanwhile, Mizoram today reported 18 fresh cases of COVID-19, taking the State’s tally to 2,359. An official release said that out of 1,236 samples tested, 18 positive cases were detected.
The new patients include ruling Mizo National Front MLA from the Lunglei North constituency, Dr Laltanpuia. A one-month-old baby and a six-year-old child are also among the new patients, sources said.
In a tweet, Laltanpuia said he was not sure how he got infected. Except for his recent tour to Vairengte near the Assam border along with other MLAs, he had not travelled to any other place out of Aizawl.
As many as 11 of the new cases were reported from Aizawl, four from Serchhip, two from Lunglei and one from Lawngtlai district. Only three persons, who are non-locals, have a travel history. The rest of them have been locally infected.
Meanwhile, the School Education Department today announced closure of schools for two weeks during the ensuing COVID-19 No Tolerance Fortnight that will commence from October 26. Students of Class 10 and 12 had resumed classroom learning since October 16.
The decision to close the schools for two weeks was taken in a meeting chaired by School Education Minister Lalchhandama Ralte today in the wake of the recent spike in local transmission cases and infection among school students, an official release stated.
