Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 11: “As of now, no one has been tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Dakshina Kannada district,” said deputy commissioner (DC) Sindhu P Rupesh.

Addressing a press meet at DC’s office on Wednesday, March 11, the DC said that the person who escaped from Wenlock hospital has also been tested negative. “Personal protection kits are available in taluk hospitals. Medical fraternity have received training on handling patients who are tested positive for the virus. Patients have been assured that their identity will be kept confidential. Stringent action will be taken against those who reveal the identity of patients,” she said.

Asking people to maintain personal hygiene, the DC said that every patient is screened at the airport. Meanwhile, NMPT has restricted cruise arrival.

As of now, isolation wards are set-up in Wenlock, KMC, Yenepoya, AJ Hospital, Father Mullers, Srinivas Hospital, KS Hegde and Kanachur Institute of Medical Science. A control room has also been set-up in DC’s office. Isolation wards will set up in ESI hospitals, she said.

“If travellers who arrive in Mangaluru show symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, they will be taken to consultation room and checked. If positive, they will be kept for 28 days in isolation ward and observed. If negative, they have to remain 14 days in home quarantine. This is a regular process. So far we collected 10 samples from people who are suspected to have contracted the virus. Of these, 7 are tested negative. We are awaiting results of the remaining three samples,” she said.