The State’s first Covid-19 patient a well respected and highly competent senior medical practitioner passed away early Wednesday at one of Shillong’s leading nursing homes – Bethany Hospital. The hospital has been sealed off since Tuesday morning. Since the case was first reported on Monday evening, Meghalaya has remained tense with different people reacting differently. Fear of further spread of the corona virus from the doctor who might have attended to patients until he was taken ill has made people paranoid. Nurses, doctors and para-medics serving at the hospital have reported for testing to rule out any trace of the virus. However, with so many people coming forward to be tested, after contact tracing, it is becoming difficult for the only testing centre at NEIGRIHMS to carry out its work at the required speed. Meghalaya has been taking the help of hospitals in Assam as well.
Since the suspected prime contact in the present case with a travel history has tested negative on two occasions it is now even more important for the State Health authorities to track the source of the virus since the late doctor could have been infected by a patient he might have treated. Determining the contact source is of prime importance at this juncture so as to rule out community infection. The present case has sent shock waves across the state also because there is a gap of about 48 hours since the case was detected and his death. It is difficult for the public to absorb these two shocks coming close on the heels of each other. Now another WhatsApp post written by the late doctor’s son-in-law, a pilot by profession and a primary contact suspect grieves at the unscrupulous attacks on the family as being the one that brought the virus to Meghalaya. At this time when panic dominates, there is need for a calming effect. Some message of hope and composure should have come from political, societal or faith leaders so that people act more responsibly and empathise with the bereaved family.
At this juncture it is also important for Government to keep the channels of communication open; to answer questions to the media, no matter how uncomfortable, about preparedness to deal with the pandemic. Daily press briefings that are not one way communication channels are imperative to allay public fears. Engagement with the local durbars is also crucial as some have reportedly socially ostracised health workers and disallowed from returning to their villages. The world and this state are dealing with a new invisible yet potent threat. Society has to remain strong. It cannot succumb to fear and paranoia. This is also the time for all public leaders to come forward and lead from the front. People look for leadership at a time of crises.