SHILLONG: Jhalupara returned to the COVID-19 spotlight on Tuesday with 14 people detected as positive cases during random testing. Besides, three persons from Upper Mawprem also tested positive.
DHS (MI) Dr Aman War said that random testing was conducted in Laitumkhrah, Jhalupara, Upper Mawprem, Iew Mawlong, Police Bazar, Mawpat and Umpling.
Stating that no case was reported from Laitumkhrah, Mawpat and Umpling, he added added that till 3 pm, 14 cases were reported in Jhalupara and three in Upper Mawprem.
He also informed that the results of the samples collected in Iewduh and Police Bazar were yet to be known.
Meanwhile, a visit to the sample collection centre in Police Bazar showed that many people had come forward on their own to give their samples for testing.
People, who underwent the rapid antigen test, were asked to wait for five minutes after their test and if the health workers did not say anything to them it would mean the results were negative and they could go back, but if they tested positive they would be asked to stay back.
Some were also told that their results would be messaged to them.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, M War Nongbri said Police Bazar and Iewduh are commercial areas and hotspots and a sizeable number of people from Rilbong, where there have been several positive cases over the past couple of days, are working there and hence random testing is being conducted.
“Depending on the result, we will take a call but what we are concerned about is that a number of hawkers and vendors are sitting in Police Bazar and Bara Bazar,” she said.
She also urged hawkers to stay off the road while adding that the administration would have to take other steps if things do not work out.
She also informed that the idea is to collect 500 samples at the Police Bazar centre and depending on the outcome, they may extend the random testing in the area.
Some people, who gave their samples, lauded the administration for conducting the drive saying that such tests would give them clarity about their health status vis-à-vis COVID-19.
