Infant of 20-days negative for virus upon second test

National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has announced that an infant of barely three weeks is negative for COVID-19 upon a second test.

Speaking in a press conference tonight, NEOC medical officer Dr. Ibrahim Afzal announced that authorities were now waiting for a third test on the baby as a precaution.

The infant was tested after a positive individual came into contact with the child. The child had also been exhibiting symptoms of the virus. The first sample collected from the infant had tested positive while the second sample collected on May 16 had tested negative.

Dr. Afzal stated that patience was of utmost importance during the situation despite delays in obtaining test results.

"The child's health would not be strained in any way by waiting for three days for a sample result. Treatment will go correctly...It is not important to test positive or negative. Due to the young age, the most important aspect is to get the necessary treatment,"

"A child on a hospital setup will receive the care 24 hours a day...The delays could be faced during these days at some level, for which we ask everyone to remain patient," said Dr. Afzal.

The nature of the case will be decided upon the third test, said NEOC spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez who also added that the third test was being conducted as a precaution.

"If it is decided as a probable case, no further samples will be taken. Samples are taken to verify. After which, it will be noted a specific type of case...(Delays in test results) these kinds of things are sad, however, we are working closely with the family. They wish to know some information from the HPA. In reality, the third test is done as a precaution for the safety of the child." said Mabrouq.

Another infant whose mother had tested positive for the virus tested negative. The mother was tested positive for the virus during pregnancy and gave birth recently.