Passenger tests Covid positive on the first day of transport services resumption in Ukhrul

One passenger who returned from Imphal in a public transport bus on Friday tested positive for Covid-19 on the first day of reopening of passenger services after a gap of over six months in the district.

Subsequently, Tangkhul Co-ordination Forum on Covid-19 (TCFC) has advised all the co-passenger of the patient of self-isolation for a period of 14 days with immediate effect.

In a public circular, the forum informed that a passenger of an Imphal-Ukhrul bus Eastern Warrior that arrived here from Imphal on Friday evening has tested positive for the virus.

“It is hereby advised that all the co-passengers of the patient promptly report to their respective families and local authorities about their travel history and voluntarily undergo complete 14 days self-isolation without causing contact with any of their family members or anyone,” it said.

TCFC had directed all passenger vehicles to ferry a maximum of 50 per cent passengers with higher fare to ensure social distance. Subsequently, the price of bus ticket has been temporarily raised to Rs. 260 from normal rate of Rs. 150, while that of Winger service to Rs. 330 from Rs. 180 for those vehicles operating along Ukhrul-Imphal route.

The forum further directed all the passengers of the bus to go for confirmatory test after completion of the two-week self-isolation at their homes.

Notably, the forum had also announced mandatory rapid antigen test for every incoming passenger from outside the district, advising such travellers to go through RAT at the district’s testing centre at Bakshi Ground in the district headquarters.

Earlier, on Thursday, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) announced re-opening of all passenger services in the district and allowed buses and Winger taxis to resume regular operation along Ukhrul-lmphal route from 16 October, with strict instructions to all concerned to follow the SOP laid out by the government.

It said that the decision was taken in line with the progressive unlock announced by the government to relax the existing restrictions on passenger services.