26-05-2025
Filmmaker tests positive for Covid-19, hospitalised
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Ranchi: In a first case for the state during the current Covid-19 surge in the country, Lal Vijay Shahdeo, a 53-year-old filmmaker and member of the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited, has tested positive for the virus after coming back from Mumbai recently.
He is currently undergoing treatment at Santevita Hospital under the care of Dr Mohit Narayan and a team of doctors from the hospital.
Though the govt has not issued an advisory, it has asked the public not to panic and assured that the situation is under control.
Health minister Irfan Ansari, said, "There is no need to panic. The situation is under control and being closely monitored by the health department. Wearing masks in crowded places is essential not just to prevent Covid but also to guard against other bacterial and viral infections.
I urge everyone to stay alert, stay safe and remain health conscious."
Shahdeo had returned to Ranchi from Mumbai on May 22. During the flight, he experienced a sudden deterioration of his health and lost consciousness mid-air. He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday when he began exhibiting symptoms such as body pain, fever and cough. A Covid test was conducted on the same day and the result returned positive.
Talking to TOI, Shahdeo said, "There are 257 confirmed Covid cases in India, so far, and I am one of them.
On May 22, while I was travelling from Mumbai to Ranchi, I lost consciousness on the flight. As a member of the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited, I was scheduled to preview some films. I have posted on social media, requesting everyone who has been in contact with me to kindly get tested if you experience any symptoms like headache, body pain, fever, cough or cold.
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According to the report issued by MicroPraxis Labs, Shahdeo's nasopharyngeal Real-Time RT-PCR test, an examination approved by ICMR/CE-IVD/USFDA, confirmed the presence of the Covid-19 virus.
The sample was properly preserved in a viral transport medium and cold chain protocols were followed. The report was certified by Dr Pooja Sahai, MD, a clinical microbiologist and infectious disease specialist.
Talking to TOI, Dr Mohit Narayan, said, "His condition is currently stable and he remains in quarantine while receiving medical treatment. A follow-up test is scheduled to be conducted after one week."
Meanwhile, the health department is considering issuing an advisory soon. Joint secretary (health Bidyanand Pankaj said, "We are not aware of the case yet but if it is confirmed positive, an advisory will be released promptly."
