Source of COVID-19 of Guwahati patient yet to found: Health minister

Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the source of infection of the COVID-19 positive patient in Guwahati is yet to be found and it is a matter of concern.

Addressing a press conference, Sarma said the residents of the state capital are curious to know about the people connected with the patient who lives in a high-end apartment here.

"We could identify 112 persons coming in contact with him. Out of that, samples of 98 people have been collected and 14 are remaining. So far, results of 85 have come with negative and 13 are awaiting.

"If all the results come negative, then there will be a big question that where he has got the infection from. He came to Guwahati from Delhi on March 1, so it cannot be from there. Then he had a short trip to Shillong," Sarma said.

The businessman's family and the entire apartment complex is under quarantine with nobody allowed to enter or exit, he informed.

The patient, who also suffers from asthma, is being treated at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

Talking about the protective gears, Sarma said, "We currently have 3,941 PPE (personal protective equipment) kits, 36,487 N95 masks and 7,28,022 triple-layer masks. By the end of the day, we will get 5,000 more PPE kits."
Seeking service of medical experts, the minister said, "Today morning, Mumbai's Wockhardt hospital was sealed because many of the staff tested positive. If such a case happens here, we will need additional manpower."
"So we will launch a website from today. Doctors, nurses and paramedics from outside Assam or within the state willing to serve voluntarily can apply after their required quarantine."