Chief Minister Hemant Soren today joined the video conferencing of Chief Ministers of all the States with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the steps being taken with regard to COVID-19. The PM had a discussion with the CMs regarding precautionary preparations, medical facilities etc.
The CM said after the video conferencing that the State Government is constantly working to tackle the epidemic. Instructions have been issued by the Government to all departments to ensure compliance with all the necessary safety parameters related to this. All the departments have strictly implemented these safety parameters. In view of the increasing cases of Corona virus worldwide, the Government of Jharkhand is also fully active in protecting the common man from the effects of Corona virus.
“I appeal to the people of the State to take precautions and protect themselves and also protect others. Get out of your home only when needed,” he said. The CM said during that during the video conferencing several steps being taken to contain Coronavirus spread were discussed.
Health Minister Banna Gupta, Chief Secretary Dr DK Tiwari, Principal Secretary of Health department Nitin Madan Kulkarni alongwith other senior officials were present in the meeting.
Meanwhile, the CM was told through social media that masks and sanitiser were being sold on high prices in Ranchi. Taking cognisance of the issue the CM asked DC and Ranchi police to take punitive action on the matter.
The CM said that all the vendors are aware and they should understand that Masks and Sanitizers come under the purview of Essential Commodities Act, 1955, so selling them at a rate higher than black marketing and fair price is a crime.On the directions of DC, Ranchi a team of drug inspectors formed by SDM Ranchi reached the pharmacy and investigated the matter. However, no such mask was found that was shown in the video over social media. It was revealed by the investigation team that the video was shot before March 13 when masks were not included in essential goods and the mask was bought from some local vendors at Rs 135 per piece and was being sold between Rs 150-200.