A record 18 Covid-related deaths were reported in Meghalaya today, the highest single-day figure in the state.
The state’s death toll due to the disease shot up to 228 as a result, with 57 of these fatalities coming in the first nine days of this month, making May the deadliest month on record for the disease.
Fourteen fatalities were added to East Khasi Hills’ figures. Three others were from West Jaintia Hills and one from West Garo Hills.
The deceased were identified as Dominic S Bareh (45) of Pohkseh, Victor Sangma (47) of Madan Laban, Dewala Mani Mishra (40) of Bihar but temporarily resident of Khliehriat, Basantina Kharkrang (49) of Laitmynsaw, Saraswati Devi Raj (49) of Nongthymmai, Tellisda Warjri (51) of Mawmluh, Rina Tymsem (58) of Pynursla, Yensidora Shabong (73) of Mawlai Nongmali, Banshimti Ryntathiang (39) of Mawlai Nonglum, Kermon Passah (67) of Upper Risa Colony, Elphidora Nongkynrih (52) of Mawlai Motsyiar, Telinna Momin (22) of Lawsohtun, Theresia Lyngdoh (68) of Riatsamthiah, Supitda Ch Marak (71) of Walbagre, Weelan Lywait (68) of Iawmusiang, Mily Gurung (56) of Mawbah, Sujon Hira (33) of Shkentalang and Jurbait Shadap (52) of Salaroh.
“This is the first time we have witnessed such fatalities in one day in our state and we have to be cautious,” Health Minister AL Hek said while on an inspection of Nazareth Hospital.
There were also 418 new infections today, including among 14 health workers (12 of which in West Garo Hills) and 43 returnees.
East Khasi Hills accounted for 275 of today’s reported infections – 21 among returnees, 24 armed forces/paramilitaries, 109 high-risk contacts, 53 influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), six through screening, one health worker, five severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs), one in Bishnupur, two in Golf Links, one in Jhalupara, one in Laban, one in Lachumiere, one in Laitkor, three in Lawsohtun, one in Madanrting, one in Mawlai, two in Mawprem, seven in Mawsynram, four in Nongmynsong, one in Nongrim Hills, one in Nongthymmai, one in Oakland, one in Rilbond, 23 in Shella and three in Upper Shillong.
West Garo Hills reported 57 new cases (23 in Wakkolnanggre, 14 screening, 12 health workers, four high-risk, three returnees, one police personnel), East Jaintia Hills 26 (17 high-risk, five ILIs, three returnees, one health worker), West Jaintia Hills 20 (10 screening, eight returnees, two high-risk), Ri-Bhoi 11 (nine ILIs, one high-risk, one returnee), East Garo Hills nine (five returnees, four screening), South Garo Hills six (all screening), North Garo Hills five (four high-risk, one returnee), West Khasi Hills five (three high-risk, one screening, one returnee) and South West Garo Hills four (three in Betasing, one police).
There were also 179 recoveries – 112 in East Khasi Hills, 23 in West Jaintia Hills, 10 in Ri-Bhoi, eight in East Jaintia Hills, six in West Garo Hills, four in South Garo Hills, three in South West Khasi Hills and two in East Garo Hills.
There are now 2,899 active Covid-19 cases in the state. East Khasi Hills alone accounts for 1,723 active cases, Ri-Bhoi 353, West Garo Hills 234, West Khasi Hills 120, East Jaintia Hills 118 and West Jaintia Hills 113.
In all, Meghalaya has had 19,720 Covid-19 cases, of which 2,899 are active, 16,593 have recovered and 228 have died from the virus. The recovery rate has fallen to 84.14 percent. The fatality rate has leapt to 1.16 percent. More than 3.42 lakh doses of the Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in the state as of today. The seven-day rolling average for new cases now stands at 327.29.
