An entire village in Himachal Pradesh tests positive for COVID-19

Manali: The entire village of Thorang has tested positive for coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh except for a 52-year-old Bhushan Thakur.

The Lahaul-Spiti valley has become the worst affected district in the state in terms of population ratio.

Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in Lahaul valley, the administration has restricted tourist movements to Telling Nullah near the North portal of the Rohtang Nullah.

The villages beyond the tunnel have turned into containment zones.

Thorang village along the Manali-Leh highway has about 42 residents as most have migrated to Kullu for winter. The villagers volunteered to be tested a few days back and out of 42 people, 41 were declared positive, said a local official.

Bhushan Thakur, who didn't contract the symptoms said, "I am staying in a separate room and have been cooking my own meals for the last four days. I was with my family members until we got to know about the results. However, I was strict about the protocols like sanitising hands, wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing when in public areas".

"People should not take this disease lightly", he added.

According to sources, the villagers had gathered to celebrate a religious programme a few days back. Social gathering is blamed for community transmission in the village.

Dr Palzor, Lahaul-Spiti chief medical officer said that his team has requested all residents of the area to come forward to get themselves tested because a large number of people in the surrounding has also tested positive for COVID-19.

As many as 856 people have tested positive in the district.

Mass infections in Spiti have raised concerns of the authorities. 39 residents of Rangrik village tested positive on October 28 while 19 people of Hurling village of Spiti have tested positive too.

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