IGMC, TANDA MEDICAL COLLEGE MAY GET TESTING KITS SOON

SHIMLA: Taking a precautionary step to prevent people from getting infected by coronavirus, the state government will be making arrangements for testing symptoms of the virus in two of the biggest hospitals of the state –Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, and Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda, in Kangra district.

Chief secretary, health, RD Dhiman said “State government has sent a proposal to the central government seeking coronavirus testing kits for coronavirus in IGMC and Tanda Medical College.”

Currently, all suspected samples are being sent to National Institute of Biological, Pune, but if the Centre approves state’s plan the service will be soon available in the state. Earlier, of the four samples sent to Pune, three turned out negative while report of a Nepalese-origin man is yet to arrive.

Gyuto Tantric Monastery of Karmapa in Dharamshala has also been closed for a month due to fear of coronavirus. During this period, no tourist will be allowed to visit the monastery.

Meanwhile sale of colours has dropped in Shimla this year.

Ashish, a shopkeeper, said “People are hesitant to purchase colours to play Holi as there is a possibility of getting infected with coronavirus.”

Shimla administration is also keeping an eye on Nepalese people and other tourists entering the state via Uttarakhand through screening. Tourists are also being tested at a check post at Shoghi, 14km from Shimla.