Hyderabad: Even as health department officials were awaiting results of the tests on samples from eight persons who self-reported to hospitals for the novel coronavirus (nCoV), one more person who had recently checked in with the authorities on Sunday after recently returning from China.
After the 19 samples – blood and cheek swabs – from patients sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune were found not to be carrying the nCoV, the authorities are awaiting results on eight other samples.
“Once we get our testing lab at Gandhi Hospital going on Monday, we will be able to get faster results and reduce anxiety among people reporting to us after returning from China,” an official said.
In addition to Hyderabad, people who returned from China to their hometowns in other districts, including Karimnagar and Ranga Reddy, are being monitored for their health.
“We are getting details of all those who arrived here since mid-January and are following up with each and every one. The individuals will all be tested while those in their families and others who came into close contact with them will be under health surveillance checks for two weeks,” the official said.
Anyone who has any questions on the new coronavirus disease or has returned from China or has been contact with such individuals, should call the 24-hour helpline at 040-24651119, the official said.
