Imphal: As a precautionary measure amid the outbreak of coronavirus globally, Manipur has set up health screening devices at five locations across the border areas to avoid the spread of the deadly disease in the state.
Screening points have been set up at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal, Mao in Senapati, Behiang in Churachandpur, Moreh in Tengnoupal and Jiri Gate at Jiribam sub-division of the district. The gates are being manned by either a medical officer or a medical staff to detect the virus if any infected person enters the state from affected region.
Speaking to media persons, additional director for state public health Dr L Arke Singh informed that the screening devices has been put up following an advisory issued by the Union ministry of health on January 22, 2020.
Also Read: Factcheck: Coronavirus case in Manipur not true, confirm officials
“If people are coming from the affected nations like China and Nepal, there is a high chance of getting the infection. That is why they should be restricted and quarantine immediately for precaution,” said Dr Singh, adding, “By doing this, we can narrow down the investigation on time”.
Among the five locations, Moreh has been put on high alert, and people coming from Myanmar are being monitored and screened since January 25, both at Gate 1 and Gate 2, as per the official report.
The screening at Imphal airport was started from January 18, it said, In order to take stock of the prevailing issue in neighbouring countries like China and Nepal and as a preventive measure, isolated wards have been arranged at RIMS and JNIMS hospitals, said the official.
So far, there has been so suspected case of coronavirus in the state, added the official. According to the World Health Organisation, the symptoms of 2019-nCoV or China Coronavirus include fever, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties, Pneumonia, kidney failure, headache, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath.
