Novel coronavirus cases in Ladakh rose to 13 on March 21 after 3 fresh cases were reported. Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner/Secretary (Health) stated that three new persons were tested positive for COVID-19 infection in Ladakh.

"Out of 35 test samples received from Delhi today on March 21, 9 are from Kargil district with 1 positive and 8 negatives; and 26 are of Leh district with 2 positives and 21 negative results for COVID-19, "he informed. 

He further said, "A person with a travel history of USA, reached Leh today by Go-Air flight-217 at 8:30 AM in a very bad condition with suspected symptoms of COVID-19, who is now admitted in the Hospital. The UT Administration is trying to trace the co-passengers and also appeals through media to inform them for their home-quarantine for 14 days and they should not come in physical contact with family members and others for preventive measures".

Rigzin Samphel also stated that the medical staff who was tested positive for COVID-19 earlier had attended the OPDs at the hospital and at a private clinic before his admission to the hospital. Therefore, all those patients who had visited the doctor on February 27, 28 and March 3 at SNM Hospital and those who visited the private clinic from February 28 to March 4 are requested that they should not come in physical contact with others and contact District Hospitals of Leh and Kargil in case of any health-related issues. 

Rigzin Samphel also appealed to the general public that no person shall forcefully evict any labourer nor instigate any person not to rent outhouses.