IMPHAL, June 10: Manipur has reported its first Covid-19 case this year, according to official sources, after a 23-year-old student tested positive for the coronavirus. The patient was tested at a private clinic in Imphal, the state capital, on June 5, 2025, after developing Covid symptoms such as fever.
Health Services Director Dr. Chambo Gonmei announced the case on Tuesday, stating that the Covid patient is a native of Ngaikhong Khullen in Bishnupur district and is a master’s student at Manipur University. The RT-PCR test for the woman returned positive on Monday.
Dr. Gonmei explained that the patient was tested at a private clinic in Imphal on June 5 after experiencing symptoms, but she left Imphal for Hyderabad for her internship before her Covid status was known. She has reportedly been living in a rented apartment in Imphal West district.
The state Covid surveillance team is currently investigating the case. Dr. Gonmei mentioned that the team has reached out to local authorities in Bishnupur, her native district, as well as in Imphal West. It was also reported that she had been under home isolation after developing symptoms.
Regarding the situation, Dr. Gonmei stated that the health department is waiting for a new advisory from the health ministry but has already implemented all necessary precautionary measures based on previous guidelines.
He reassured the public, saying, “There is no need to panic. We are investigating the type of the variant. But the new strain is not as severe as the previous ones. Only patients with a poor immune system are more vulnerable.”
Health officials are asking residents to revive precautionary habits that were routine during the pandemic’s earlier waves: regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded places, and ensuring proper ventilation at home.
“Some people still believe closing doors and windows while isolating is safe—it’s not,” Dr. Gonmei cautioned. “Ventilation is key to recovery and preventing spread.”
During the pandemic, the state saw 2,149 deaths due to Covid and over 1.40 lakh people tested positive for the virus.
