Chandigarh, Apr 29 (IANS): With the discharge of a Chandigarh resident on Wednesday, the number of cured and discharged patients from PGI's Covid-19 hospital has increased to 11.

Visibly moved by an emotional send off given by the staff of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), the recovered person said, "When I came to know that I was diagnosed with Covid-19, I was initially upset and frustrated. Later I felt extremely low.

"The medical team here at the PGI not only treated and cured me, but they also kept my spirits very high with their constant motivation. I am deeply indebted to them and owe my recovery to the PGI team only."

He also strongly urged the public to stay at home and sincerely follow the health advisories to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

PGMIER Director Jagat Ram said, "It is heart-warming and hugely morale boosting for our Covid-19 team, a testimony of their untiring efforts in these testing times, especially with the spike in numbers and the situation changing so rapidly."

Detailing about the case, G.D. Puri, Head of the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, said the patient was initially admitted to the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital with complaints of fever, dry cough and breathlessness.

"On being referred to the PGI Covid-19 Hospital, he was admitted here on April 10 and was transferred to the ICU in view of his critical condition due to multiple health issues. He remained on extensive therapy. With his condition gradually improving, he was shifted from the ICU to the isolation ward on April 15," Puri said.

Being asymptomatic thereafter and testing negative in two consecutive tests, he was declared cured and discharged, Puri added.

Vipin Koushal, in-charge of the PGI Covid Hospital, said, "With the latest spike in number of cases, we are observing new cases every day. But people are getting cured and going home as well. It definitely gives a reassurance, a reiteration of faith that we can fight this battle and tide over the situation."

Though discharged from PGIMER, the cured patient will be under home quarantine for 14 days as per the standard protocol to be followed by all Covid-19 patients, the PGI said.

Eight more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Chandigarh on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the UT to 67.

The city on Tuesday reported 14 Covid-19 cases, the highest single-day spike.