Slight symptom changes noticed in some corona patients: Himanta Biswa Sarma

* Four-member 'Death Audit Board' constituted

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Health experts have noticed slight changes in the symptoms of some COVID-19 patients, said State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma here on Monday. He elaborated, "Earlier, the symptoms were mild. However during the last few days, we have come across patients having severe symptoms that lead to fall in their oxygen level. Hence we are compelled to shift four to five such patients from the COVID Care Centres to the Medical College hospitals."

On the COVID-19 scenario in Guwahati, Sarma added, "The situation here is presently stable. Between July 4 and July 12, the city registered 400 to 450 corona patients daily. Though the number of such patients has come down slightly among the common people yet there is a rise among the uniformed personnel staying in the barracks. This is particularly so in the Army, Police, and the BSF. Such a situation is noticed in the Guwahati Jail premises as well.

"So, I again urge all to follow all the safety guidelines including the mandatory wearing of masks and observance of social distancing among others. This will also ensure that the administration is not compelled to further extend the ongoing lockdown period in the city."

On plasma therapy, Minister Sarma said, "I've interacted with two patients who have been already given the therapy. The oxygen level was at 88/ 89 on the day the treatment was given to them. After the plasma therapy, their oxygen level rose to 93/ 94. But, we can't say anything for sure unless the oxygen level rises above 96."

Referring to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) at GMCH (Gauhati Medical College & Hospital), he stated, "While 40 of the 50 ICU beds meant for COVID-19 patients have become operational, the remaining 10 will become so in a day or two."

He added, "For COVID-19 children patients, a separate provision is being planned in the MMCH (Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital). The PWD will commence the work on Tuesday; and the project is expected to be completed within four to five days."

Minister Sarma further said, "We've placed orders for several effective but costly COVID-19 medicines. But, the medicine-producing companies are supplying us only small amounts as they are unable to meet the huge demands from across the country."

In a tweet, Sarma said the State government "has constituted a four-member 'Death Audit Board' in accordance with ICMR Delhi guidelines… Officially, a death will be attributed to COVID-19 only after the Board has ascertained it. We shall update our figures accordingly."

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