Italian tourist could be the first coronavirus patient in Jaipur; alert sounded

Jaipur: An Italian tourist admitted to an isolation ward of SMS Hospital in Jaipur could be the first coronavirus positive patient in Jaipur. The tourist has been tested twice. While the first report was negative, the second test indicate that he may be infected with the virus. The health department of Rajasthan has sounded an alert and said that the people who came in contact with the tourist will also be screened. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot took a high-level meeting on Monday, while the union home ministry took stock of the preparations in Rajasthan through a video conferencing with senior health department officers and SMS Hospital doctors.

“The tourist could be positive, but nothing is confirmed yet. We have sent the samples to the Pune lab for confirmation. We are waiting to receive the report. Till then, the tourist has been isolated in the ward for infectious diseases,” said a senior health department officer.

The tourist was admitted to hospital four days ago and has been screen twice. The first report was negative; however the second report indicated that he could be infected with the virus.

“There is some contradiction between both the reports, leading to confusion. However we are prepared to deal with any kind of outcome from the Pune lab,” said the officer.

The government has cancelled the World Wilderness Congress which was scheduled to take place from March 19 to March 26 due to the coronavirus scare across the world. The representatives from more than 60 countries were to participate in the event.