4 COVID-19 cases found in Loutolim

Margao: Four COVID-19 positive cases including a senior citizen were on Sunday detected in Carvota area of Loutolim in Salcete taluka, leading to panic among the villagers and those residing in the neighbouring villages.
There is fear among the residents of Salcete too with cases rising in the taluka areas.

The four positive cases have been reported in ward three of Loutolim village panchayat. Health officer of Loutolim Dr Vinesh Gaonkar confirmed that four persons have been found to be COVID-19 positive following the testing of seven throat swab samples on Saturday. Three samples have tested negative for the virus.

Health sources said two infected patients are from one family, while the other two patients are from another family. Other family members of these affected persons have, however, tested negative for the virus, the health sources said.

“The panchayat and the health authorities are together taking preventive measures to help avoid the spread of infection. We have already taken up sanitisation of these areas,” said village sarpanch Xavier Fernandes.
Though the source of infection could not be ascertained, sources said the cases could be linked to the Ambelim priest, who recently tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. Sources also said some villagers had been visiting the Vasco market for vending their produce. It may be noted that many COVID cases have been detected in Vasco with Mangor Hill area declared as a containment zone.

Loutolim village is located close to Raia where seven COVID positive cases have been detected.
Meanwhile, three new COVID cases have been detected in Curtorim.