Two positive cases found in Mapusa

NT NETWORK

Mapusa

Two positive COVID-19 cases were recorded at Ekta Nagar in Mapusa on Saturday. Both the individuals have recently travelled back to Goa from other states.

The two patients – a woman and an 18-year-old boy – from different families have been shifted to the COVID care facility in Shiroda for further treatment, while other family members’ throat swab samples have been collected and they have been advised to remain under home quarantine.

Confirming the cases, medical officer of Mapusa urban health centre

Dr Cheryl D’Souza said following reports, the patients have been shifted to the COVID care centre and swab samples of close contacts collected and reports are awaited.

According to information available, one family of seven members had travelled to Goa from Mumbai on June 9 and was residing in a rented flat at Ekta Nagar. The family members

had undergone COVID test on their return and the reports were awaited.

Late Friday night, the test reports came and one of the family members tested positive. Accordingly, the patient was shifted by ambulance on Friday night itself and others were advised to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, a family of three including a mother and her two minor daughters had travelled to Goa from Gujarat. The mother has tested positive for COVID and has been shifted to COVID care centre, while other members of the family including husband, daughters and son have been home-quarantined.

Councillor Sandip Falari said that despite being told to stay under home quarantine, some members of the patients have been found by the locals to be moving around in the public.

“I have personally met the family and advised them to stay indoors and shared my contact number as well as that of Mapusa police inspector in case they need anything,” said Falari. He added that personally he has been monitoring the situation and requested people not to panic. “Whatever steps are required to restore normalcy are being taken and there is no reason to panic or create confusion,” he said requesting people to cooperate with the authorities.

Meanwhile, on Saturday evening, the local residents of Ekta Nagar held a meeting, which was also attended by Falari wherein the residents raised concern over the movement of family members of the positive patients. Some locals suggested that the family members be shifted to a paid quarantine facility.

“Following their concern, I have spoken to the health officer as well as the Deputy Collector if a provision can be made to shift them. Deputy Collector has asked me to give inputs and she will as well take inputs from the health officer and police and take a decision accordingly,” said Falari.