Cachar administration issues guidelines for Covid-19 testing

Cachar administration has issued a set of new guidelines for Covid-19 testing. A notice issued by DC Keerthi Jalli gives details of how a person, suspected of being exposed to a coronavirus positive patient cant register themselves on a given phone number and get an appointment for a test.

As for clinically referred cases, they will have to directly go to the COVID screening centre at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. The development came in place to control people crowding testing centres and safeguarding public and doctors, medical staff on duty.

The notice signed on July 14 reads, “Whereas it is observed that as and when the details of COVID-19 Positive Patients is revealed, many people claim to have come in contact with the Positive person within 14 days. Also whereas it is observed that many residents of Cachar district are willing to voluntarily test themselves for COVID-19. Also whereas it is observed that many Doctors, Medical Practitioner, hospital require patient to be tested for COVID-19 prior to giving treatment. And whereas, it is seen that due to large number of people are turning up at various health centres asking for screening thereby increasing chances for higher contamination. Hence. in order to control exposure of an unsuspecting positive person to rest of the persons, doctors on duty and other medical staffs.

The following guidelines have been issued by the authorities:

1. All those patients who claim to be in contact of a confirmed COVID positive patient or other such who want to get themselves tested will have to contact on 9707107616 (Call & Whatsapp) and share details as asked by the operator. Appointment will be fixed by concerned authority and the details of date and venue for testing will be shared with the caller in sometime.

2. All persons suspecting to be exposed to a COVID Positive patient are required to isolate themselves in home quarantine following all COVID protocols immediately and turn up for giving samples with least exposure to othcrs. After giving swab. they are to isolate themselves until official declaration of the results failing which will attract requisite penal provision. They will be required to give undertaking in this regard. Only persons registered on the phone number 9707107616 will be accepted. In case of any symptoms developed, District Epidemiologist (Ph.: 7086109448) need to be contacted immediately.

3. All the Clinically referred cases will be tested by SMCH, Silchar (From I I AM to 1 PM). Such cases shall be required to carry a proper referral form from their consulting registered Medical Practitioners and recognised doctors. Such persons will directly go to COVID Screening Centre located in Medicine Emergency Building, SMCH.

The above order shall come into force with immediate effect. Anybody found to be violating the above guidelines will be liable for prosecution under relevant act.