RN Batta, Advisor to Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has tested positive for COVID-19. The development came a day after the Chief Minister had isolated himself for three days as a precautionary measure.
During the inauguration of Atal Tunnel Rohtang, the Chief Minister had come in contact with BJP MLA from Banjar, Surender Shourie, who was tested positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the Congress leader and Shimla (rural) MLA Vikramaditya Singh has accused the State Government of violating COVID-19 safety protocols.
While talking to the mediapersons, Vikramaditya Singh said that the state Health Department has allegedly covered up the COVID positive report of BJP MLA from Banjar, who attended the function of inauguration of Atal Tunnel on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries were present at the inauguration.
The Congress leader said that the Health Department withheld the information of COVID report of MLA under political pressure. A large number of dignitaries including the Prime Minister were present during the inauguration function. Hence, those responsible for such lapses should be held accountable, he added.
HP REPORTS 31 MORE COVID-19 CASES
Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday reported 31 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally of people infected with the virus in the state to 16106. According to the Himachal Health Department’s evening bulletin, seven persons succumbed to COVID-19 in the past 24 hours and the death toll in the state stood at 223. There were 3027 active cases in Himachal while 12831 have recovered from the virus till now.
Sirmour reported a maximum of 12 cases followed by Mandi which reported eight cases, four cases were recorded in Kullu, three in Kangra, two in Hamirpur, one each in Shimla and Lahul & Spiti in the last 24 hours, the bulletin said.
As per the bulletin, Solan has reported a maximum of 3171 positive cases while Kangra has reported a maximum of 53 fatalities till now. 310019 samples have been tested so far in the state. In the past 24 hours, a total of 1649 were tested in the state and report of 828 is awaited, it added.