One more tests positive in Sakhali

Sankhali: One more COVID positive case was detected in Sakhali on Thursday with the town’s tally rising to five including the former health minister.

The total number of positive cases in the entire Bicholim taluka has now gone up to six including a case detected in Sal.

The three positive cases in Sankhali found on Wednesday were linked to the ex-health minister, while the fourth case reported on Thursday is an isolated one. The patient is from the Upper Hali area in the town, according to the health authorities.

The patient has been shifted to the COVID care centre at Shiroda, said health officer Dr Uttam Desai. He said the family members of the patient have been instructed to stay home-quarantined; they will be examined on Friday at the primary health centre.

Chairman of the standing committee of Sakhali primary health centre Dr Saroj Desai said strict vigilance has been maintained in the area and

people asked not to panic but keep safe distance and wear face mask for safety. A total of 40 persons were examined in Sakhali on Thursday, while 77 were examined in Sal, said Dr Medha Salkar and Dr Uttam Desai. Throat swab samples of 160 residents were also collected at the Morlem primary health centre.

Meanwhile, the Sankhali market association has decided to keep the market shut for four days from Friday onwards in view of the rising cases.