Ludhiana ACP succumbs to COVID-19 after Punjab govt allows plasma therapy treatment

In a tragic development, Ludhiana Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Anil Kohli, on Saturday, succumbed to Coronavirus (COVID-19) after testing positive on April 13. Kohli who was on ventilator support died due to multiple organ failure, as per sources. Four officials who were in contact with Kohli have tested positive and have been hospitalised.

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Ludhiana ACP succumbs to Coronavirus

Kohli's wife also who has tested positive has been hospitalised. On Friday, a revenue official - Gurmel Singh, died of coronavirus. With Kohli's death, Ludhiana has seen 5 COVID-19 deaths. 

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Punjab starts plasma rapy

On Friday, reports stated that Ludhiana's SPS Apollo Hospital - where Kohli was admitted, was allowed to conduct plasma rapy on him. Sources state that Kohli passed away before clinical trial was conducted on him. Plasma rapy includes injecting patients with plasma from people who have recovered from infection and hence contains antibodies equipped to battle virus.

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ICMR on Plasma rapy

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has stated that plasma rapy can only be used for clinical trials and t for treatment as such. Several governments like Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra have already received permission from Centre to start plasma rapy on critical patients. On Friday, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued a C to all states, allowing convalescent plasma trials under ICMR guidelines.

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Coronavirus in India

As of date, 11906 active cases have been reported of pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 1991 have been discharged and Maharashtra reported highest at 3323. 480 deaths have been reported till date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries. PM Modi has extended lockdown till May 3, with a relaxation possibility in n-COVID hotspots after April 20.