Four tested again in Poonch after identity mix-up

Our Correspondent

Rajouri, May 19

After a miscommunication about the exact identification of two persons who tested positive for Covid in Poonch district on Monday, the administration has isolated four persons with the same name for retesting.

As per reports, samples of quarantined persons were taken for testing recently. On Monday, two persons were declared positive for coronavirus. But incidentally, the list of those tested had four persons with the same names.

A few social media groups and media reports disclosed the identity of various persons tested positive, creating confusion about the exact identity of the two tested positive among the four.

“To clarify the issue and to avoid any risk of infection, all four persons have been isolated and are being tested again today (Tuesday). Necessary steps are also being taken to identify and isolate the contacts of all four in quarantine centres and during bus journeys,” said Rahul Yadav, District Magistrate, Poonch.

He also warned of action against those disclosing the identity of the positive persons, their contacts and those found involved in spreading misinformation.

One more positive virus case with a travel history to Delhi tested positive in Rajouri district. Meanwhile, District Magistrate Rahul Yadav has suspended five Health Department employees, including a Medical Officer, for dereliction of Covid duty.