A native of Tirumani village, the patient, who suffered loss of taste and smell was told by the local doctor to get tested for COVID-19. He immediately approached the CMC Hospital in Vellore as the test results are provided within a day. The results came as COVID-19 positive.

The patient opted to get admitted in Gudiyattam GH and retested there. Three days later he was informed of the negative results. He was home quarantined.

When asked about the discrepancy, CMC Hospital former virology head Dr T Jacob John said, “The CMC test result would have been correct and the government result might have been a mistake. However, his case might be one of very mild symptoms and that is why he was allowed to be home quarantined. However, for safety’s sake, the patient must ensure that his oxygen levels did not fall below 95.” The patient on condition of anonymity said, “I requested home quarantine on seeing the unhealthy conditions in the Gudiyattam GH, but I still wonder why none of my family members have shown any symptoms if the virus is contagious.”