Shillong, Apr 25: Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya Assembly, Dr Mukul Sangma on Saturday asked the state government to find out how the first COVID-19 patient, got infected, even as deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong claimed that the spread of the virus confined to one source.

Dr Sangma, who is the physician himself said that one must not jump into conclusion but look at the history of the case keeping in mind what was the response of the health authorities in the case of the first COVID-19 positive case.

“We must look at and trace the likely source of transmission other than the first suspected source of infection (which in this case is the son-in-law),” Sangma, a qualified physician himself said.

The first COVID-19 positive patient, Dr John L Sailo Ryntathiang was found positive on April 13, and passed away on April 15.

Earlier, many took to social media platforms suspecting the son-in-law of the late doctor as main carrier of the virus as he came to Shillong from outside Meghalaya. He was however tested negative twice.

Out of the 11 active COVID-19 patients, two are domestic helpers and eight of them are family members of Dr. Sailo. Another woman, who had met Dr. Sailo was also tested positive for the virus.

Dr Sangma said that the suspected source was also tested negative for the travel to Manipur.

“It is for this reason that we need to understand the gravity of the situation and look at other sources of transmission,” he said.

However Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong said the disease started from one source.

“After assessment done by a committee which comprised of medical experts it was found that the spread of the disease confined to one source (family),” Tynsong said.

Meanwhile the leader of Opposition stressed that nobody should stigmatize infected individuals or those suspected to be the carrier of the virus.

He urged people to come forward for test in case they have symptoms.