6 family members of deceased Shillong COVID patient test positive

Shillong: Six family members of the Bethany Hospital doctor, who passed away in Shillong in the early hours of Wednesday, have tested positive for COVID-19, said Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma.

Taking to Twitter, Sangma said: “Of the 68 tested so far, 6 have come out positive who are all family members & helpers of the first #Covid19 positive case. 6 other cases are being retested. All the rest of the cases are negative.”

The doctor, who was in his mid-60s, was the first case of the novel coronavirus in Meghalaya. While he tested positive on Monday evening, he passed away around 2.30 am on Wednesday. It was Meghalaya’s first recorded death due to the deadly virus.

The patient was under non-invasive ventilators and was classified under Category C, according to the information given by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday morning, Sangma confirmed the news of the patient’s death. “I am deeply saddened to inform that the first #COVID19 positive patient in Meghalaya passed away this morning at 2:45 am. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote.

The first case in Meghalaya was reported on Monday evening, with the chief secretary confirming the development.

Meanwhile, a total of 90 samples have been sent for testing after the first COVID-19 positive case in Meghalaya. Bethany Hospital in both Shillong and Nongpoh have been sealed. Primary contacts of the individual and list of the secondary contacts is being compiled.