No positive coronavirus case in Jharkhand so far

Ranchi, March 25 (IANS) Jharkhand is on high alert though no positive cornonavirus case has been reported in the state so far even as the nation is under a 21-day lockdown to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus.

“Till now, 93 people have been tested for coronavirus and the reports of 85 have returned negative. The remaining reports are awaited,” said a health department report.

According to Health Secretary Nitin Kulkarni, 1,469 quarantine beds and 557 isolation beads have been prepared in the state.

The testing facility started at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in Ranchi from Tuesday evening. Earlier, the samples were collected and sent to Kolkatta for testing.

More than 10,000 people have been quarantined across the state so far. Jharkhand govt has pressed 32,000 Sahiyas to gather information from each village about the infected people and track thier travel history.

On Wednesday morning, people came out of their houses to buy vegetables and essential things. The police have imposed more restrictions on people’s movement. Ranchi district administration has tied up with the Suvidha Kendra and Big Bazar for home delivery of essential products.

Jharkahnd Chief Minister Hemant Soren has appealed to the people to stay home besides directing officials to ensure the no black marketeering take place in the state.

–IANS

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