Imphal: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Monday inaugurated the newly built 300-bedded COVID-19 Care Centre at Manipur Trade and Expo Centre, Lamboikhongnangkhong in Imphal East district. With this new addition, the state now has got a total of 14 such centres to treat the COVID-19 patients in the state.
According to the chief minister, the newly inaugurated centre, which has four blocks and 300-bedding capacity, can be further upgraded to a 1,000 bedded COVID-19 Care Centre, if the need arises.
This latest development comes in at a time when the cases of the coronavirus pandemic in Manipur have risen sharply, including local transmitting without travel history and COVID-19 related death. And with the setting up of new COVID-19 Care Centre and upgradation on equipment, the infected people can now avail of timely treatment.
Also Read: Manipur CM inspects new 300-bedded COVID-19 Care Centre in Imphal
Singh further stated that there is evidence of local transmission of COVID-19; however, we cannot really say that there is a community transmission in the state.
Earlier, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that community transmission of the virus has already surfaced in the state even though the government and concerned department did not declare it.
With cases of non-returnees from other states being found positive for the virus, CM Biren Singh had appealed the people to come out openly for early treatment instead of hiding their COVID-19 status, if tested positive.
The situation in the state is little alarming since the local spreading of COVID-19 and awareness among the people on COVID-19 and their support is of immense importance at this crucial situation in tackling the pandemic, said Singh.
Also Read: Community transmission of COVID-19 has surfaced in Manipur: Speaker Y Khemchand
In terms of an extension of the ongoing lockdown in the state till August 6, Singh stated that if the pandemic situation becomes further critical, the state cabinet might extend the lockdown for another seven days. However, this will be decided after proper assessment on the cases, it said.
The inauguration event was attended by deputy chief minister Y Joykumar Singh, health minister L Jayantakumar Singh, state health director Dr K Rajo and other officials.
As on Sunday, Manipur has recorded a total of 2,831 cases for COVID-19 positive, wherein, 1,737 and 1,087 are recovered and active cases, respectively. And seven persons have succumbed till date to COVID-19.
