Coimbatore: Bringing a huge sigh of relief to Coimbatoreans, COVID-19 testing laboratory has been opened in Coimbatore government hospital on Friday.
Coimbatore: Bringing a huge sigh of relief to Coimbatoreans, COVID-19 testing laboratory has been opened in Coimbatore government hospital on Friday.
Until yesterday, all blood samples of people who presented with COVID-19 symptoms and travel history, were sent to King's Lab in Chennai. As it was time consuming, it was seen a major hindrance in conducting tests on more people presenting with flu symptoms.
As per the orders of State Health Minister, C Vijayabaskar additional testing centers have been opened across the State. In Coimbatore, the Government hospital has been equipped with one such centre to conduct Coronavirus tests.
The new testing center was inaugurated by the District Collector, K Rajamani on Friday in the presence of Dr. Ashokan, Dean, CMCH and other officials.
Speaking to the Press, the District Collector said, "Vigilant action is being taken to prevent the spread of the virus. In Coimbatore a total of 27 people were tested. Out of the samples of 20 people that were sent, 16 came back as 'negative'. The other four results are awaited. For the remaining 7 patients, the tests will be done at the newly opened centre at Coimbatore GH. The results are expected before tonight."
"The special isolation wards have been set up already, at the Coimbatore GH and the ESI. All major hospitals in Coimbatore had been advised to keep their special wards ready, which are in place now. We are prepared to meet any contingency", he informed.
"All preventive measures are being done as per the guideline of the TN government. All 118 passengers from Sharjah were monitored at the special ward for 24 hours. Since they did not show any symptoms, they were asked to leave. Similarly, many foreigners visit an Ayurvedic medical center near Anaikatti. They are also being identified and monitored", he said.
He also placed a request on behalf of the District Administration, and asked the people to observe the 'Janta curfew', as advised by the PM, on March 22.