After, senior doctor John L Sailo Rythathiang of Bethany Hospital, Shillong breathed his last in the wee hours today, registering the first coronavirus death in Meghalaya, six of his family members have tested positive for COVID-19.
The 69-year-old doctor was the founder of the state’s Bethany Hospitals. He had tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday evening. He was the only COVID-19 patient in the state, who died on Wednesday morning in Shillong. Six members of his family have now tested positive for the disease
Earlier in the day, offering condolences, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma confirmed his 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.
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 15, 2020
In a press release issued by the Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Meghalaya stated that since the detection of the first case in Shillong, the number of samples collected are 185 in number, out of which 165 are from East Khasi Hills and 24 are from Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi.
According to the press release, a total of 68 samples have been tested, out of which 6 have been tested positive while the other 6 have been sent for reconfirmation.
The results of the other samples are awaited from NEIGHRIMS, GMC, Guwahati and Barpeta Medical College. Some of the samples has to be sent to Guwahati and Barpeta due to urgency of the matter and limited capacity of the testing facility in NEIGHRIMS, stated the press release.
In a tweet, 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.”
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.
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 15, 2020
Sangma said that the health department is sanitising areas adjoining Nongrim Hills, near Bethany Hospital Shillong, where the first positive case was reported.
Bethany Hospital Nongpoh and its adjoining areas sanitised. pic.twitter.com/qvHN60K5lQ
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 15, 2020
CM Sangma has appealed to people who might have visited Bethany Hospital in Shillong on or after March 22 to report to the Health Department by calling 108.
The state government had also declared a 48-hour curfew in Shillong after the first positive case was recorded.
Meanwhile, Sangma said that a total of 90 samples have been sent for testing after the first COVID-19 positive case in Meghalaya.
As per reports, lists of the primary contacts of the doctor and the secondary contacts are being compiled.
In his latest tweet, Sangma said: 50 samples from primary contact of the first Covid19 case have been tested negative.
50 samples from primary contact of the first #Covid19 case in #Meghalaya tested today in Guwahati Medical College & Hospital, and all tested negative.
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 15, 2020
