9th suspected case tests -ve

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 25

A 19-year-old girl who had come back from Canada on March 21 and showed coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms has tested negative today. The girl was admitted at Government Rajindra Hospital on Tuesday. Notably, no positive case of Covid-19 has been reported in the district to date.

The girl was living at her relative’s place in Patiala in order to escape 14-day home-quarantine.

A health official informed that they were finding it difficult to track people because those returning from abroad are not found at address mentioned on their passport.

He said, “These people are playing smart and risking lives of others. They (foreign returns) inform the Health Department only after they show symptoms related to Covid-19. The 19-year-old was the ninth suspected case in the district.”

Patiala Civil Surgeon said people who have no foreign travel history or have not come in contact with suspected patients should not panic. He said cough, cold and fever are common flu symptoms.

Health Dept officials not accessible: Residents

Though the Deputy Commissioner has already given helpline numbers of two District Epidemiologists (Nodal officers) for health related queries, however, residents complained that they were not accessible.

Residents said the helpline numbers could not be reached despite repeated attempts. One of the residents, said, “How can there be only two nodal officers for the entire district. Numbers given are either found engaged or they do not respond.”