After assessing the Coronavirus situation in Jharkhand, the State Government on Monday issued a directive to close all educational institutions, malls, clubs, gyms, private institutions, parks and movie theaters to be closed in Jharkhand from March 17 to April 14. Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday informed the House and later addressed mediapersons in detail about the decision of the Government.
The Government took the decision after Chief Minister Hemant Soren chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials at Vidhan Sabha on Monday in the wake of widespread demands to take preventive measures against the deadly diseases spreading across the globe rapidly.
“The Government is issuing orders to close all schools, colleges and educational institutions in the State till 14 April. The Government will soon order to close private institutions as well. In this order, orders will also be issued that management should not cut the salaries of the people working in those institutions. Public places like gym, swimming pool, park, zoo etc. will also be closed till 14 April. Pre-scheduled examinations and evaluation work of the examination will continue in the State. In this order, special arrangements for cleanliness should be made by educational institutions,” he said.
“People of the State need not fear Coronavirus. You should be aware of this virus. The Government is responsible for the good health of the people of the State. Ensure arrangements for corona viral screening in all divisions. Advisory will be issued for religious places. Arrange for investigation at bus stand, railway station, airport etc,” said the CM.
Instructing the DCs, Soren said, “Deputy Commissioner of all the districts in their respective districts assess the situation. Also, from the security point of view, it should also be ensured that there is no gathering of more than five people simultaneously. During the last three months, the laborers who have returned to their homes should get themselves identified and investigated. The drivers of vehicles coming from various States via GT Road who stop at public places should be looked at so that the investigation can be ensured when in doubt.”
Principal Secretary of Health Department NK Kulkarni told the CM that doctors have been specially trained for the treatment of this virus. By March 20, doctors will be trained at the district level. So far, 1,100 people have called on the toll free number of the Health Department, whose doubts have been dispelled by answering various questions, he said.
The CM was informed that 488 people from abroad have come to Jharkhand. Some of them were investigated, but none of the symptoms of the virus were found. Districts bordering Jharkhand are also being taken full care of.
The CM said if someone is infected with the coronavirus, his treatment should not be affected due to lack of money. “The Government has provided an amount of Rs 200 crore for this purpose. The necessary resources are being mobilised to fight infection. A lab has been established in Jamshedpur to test this epidemic. Soon labs will be set up in all five divisions, including Ranchi. 300 physicians and para medical staff have been trained. Resources will also be made available at the district level hospital by 20 March,” he informed.
Soren said this infection spreads more through contact with each other. Few festivals like Sarhul, Ramnavami are coming. In such a situation, trusts of various religions should take any decision in their own discretion. Everyone’s cooperation will help us fight against corona, he said.
Chief Secretary Dr DK Tiwari informed that isolation wards have been set up in all the districts to deal with Coronavirus infected persons. A separate OPD has been arranged. State physicians have been empowered to forcibly examine the person on suspicion of virus infection. In case of non-cooperation in this work, an FIR can also be lodged against the person concerned. As far as black marketing of other items including masks are concerned, action will be ensured under the Essential Commodities Act when matters come to the notice. According to the data received from the Government of India, 488 people have come to Jharkhand from different countries, all are being investigated. Investigation has not found any infection yet. Jharkhand is safe, it will be safe, he assured.