Mizoram Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana on Wednesday said the state government is making efforts to set up a virology laboratory at state-run Zoram Medical College to test suspected cases of coronavirus infection.
He said a detailed project report (DPR) has been submitted to the National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi and the Department of Health Research of the Centre for establishing a novel coronavirus-testing laboratory in Mizoram.
"The state government is making efforts to set up a virology laboratory at the ZMC," Lalthangliana told reporters.
The health minister said seven blood samples were sent to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital and six of them tested negative for coronavirus while the result of one sample is awaited.
He said patients with coronavirus-like symptoms are being admitted to the isolation ward at the ZMC and the state government is conducting screening at inter-state and international borders and at Lengpui airport.
Lalthangliana said the state government will create awareness about the disease through hoardings.
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Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said the state government is encouraging social distancing to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.
Urging people not to panic or believe in rumours, Chuango said any information about coronavirus infection should be deemed fake unless it is issued by the state health department.
Health Department Principal Director Dr F Lallianhlira said at least 163 people have been quarantined so far, of whom eight have been discharged upon completion of 14 days observation period.
Meanwhile, the Health Department is facing financial difficulties in taking preventive measures against the spread of novel coronavirus due to the state government's failure in sanctioning adequate funds for the purpose, a top health official told PTI.