After 2 suspected cases of coronavirus in Patiala, Health Department on its toes
Tribune News Service
Patiala, February 2
After two suspected cases of novel coronavirus were reported from the district, the Health Department is on its toes. The department has already set up isolation wards for suspected patients in view of the coronavirus threat and hospitals have also been instructed to keep the beds ready. The Health Department said they had geared up to tackle any situation.
Patiala Civil Surgeon Harish Malhotra said they had taken all precautionary measures from setting up isolation wards at the district hospital to creating awareness about the disease. He said they had already issued a health advisory to all hospitals, wherein they have been told to look-out for patients with respiratory symptoms and a history of travel to China and Thailand.
Besides, the department has made an appeal to people — with a travel history of China and Thailand — to report to the nearest government health centre for screening.
On Friday, two people belonging to the district, who had returned from China and were suspected of being affected by the novel coronavirus, were kept under observation by the Health Department. Taking proactive measures, the department had also taken samples of the suspected cases. Samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for testing. The results of the samples were awaited.
Malhotra said: “We have taken all measures to tackle any situation. However, the suspected cases are only asymptomatic. However, people should immediately report to the nearest health centre if there are symptoms of coronavirus.”
Symptoms
Runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, cough
Prevention
- Avoid shaking hands, hugging and kissing on the cheeks
- Follow cough etiquette and maintain proper hygiene
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
