Spike in Meghalaya cases may be due to new variant of virus: P. Sampath Kumar

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Pointing to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases and the new symptoms among the new patients affected by the second wave of the pandemic in Meghalaya, the State Principal Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, P. Sampath Kumar has hinted that these may be happening due to new variants of Coronavirus across the State. He added that the new symptoms of present variants of the virus have been noticed in the fresh patients hospitalized during the past four days. He also said that the new variants of the virus might have passed on to some people through returnees and other infected persons.

Sampath Kumar also informed The Sentinel that till 5 pm on Monday, more than 250 COVID-19 cases have been reported from across the State. On Sunday, 351 cases were reported.

When asked as to how alarming is the COVID-19 situation in the State, the Principal Secretary said, ''An assessment will be made after the 10-day containment period."

The COVID-containment period has already passed the third day.

Referring to the number of people who were hospitalized and the demand for oxygen cylinders in the past few days, he, added that the new cases are quite high in three major districts. In the past couple of days, more or less the public has been adhering to the COVID-related protocols, he said, adding that there are still certain pockets where people are violating the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

Urging all to follow the SOPs, the Chief Secretary said, ''All must join hands in the fight against Coronavirus.''

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