the goan I network
PANAJI
The arrival of a Chinese family from one province in China and their stay in a housing colony in Dona Paula since the last two weeks sparked off panic among other residents, prompting health officials to respond by monitoring their health amid global concern over the rapid spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, who had intervened in the matter after being alerted by some residents of the housing colony, however, said there was no cause for panic as the health department had been taking all precautionary measures, adding that the family would be kept under observation.
According to sources, the Chinese family had been in Fujian province of China, which is about 700-750 kms from Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province and the epicentre of the dreaded coronavirus disease.
The family is then reported to have left China and proceeded to Kolkata on January 31, before arriving in Goa on February 1, where they have been staying in a flat at a housing colony in Dona Paula.
Some residents noticed the Chinese family in their housing colony and became alarmed over the possible spread of coronavirus, given their recent stay in China, but the head of the family is reported to have assured the housing society committee that they did not display any symptoms of coronavirus disease.
However, the family decided to stay in isolation for about 15 days after returning from China as a precautionary measure.
Unsatisfied with their assurances, the housing society wrote to the Taleigao Panchayat and the health department, seeking their intervention in the matter.
Some residents of the housing society also alerted Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who directed health officials to conduct a health check on the family.
Acting on the minister’s instructions, a team of health officials visited the family and examined them.
The Chinese family, however, refused to interact with the media and said they had already given all information to the health officials.
Later when contacted, Rane said there was no cause for panic.
“Till today, the Chinese family has not displayed any symptoms of coronavirus disease and so, there is no need to worry. However, the government is taking all precautionary measures
and the family will be kept under observation for the required number of days,” said Rane.
