RANCHI: Health minister
Banna Gupta
on Thursday said that the Covid-19 situation in
Jharkhand
was under control.
“A few states are witnessing a surge in cases. However, the situation is under control in Jharkhand and the state’s people need not worry,” Gupta told reporters in the
state Assembly
.
Gupta endorsed his department’s directive to all 24 district administrations, where they have been asked to conduct special drives to ensure citizens compulsorily wear
face masks
while stepping out of their homes.
“It is necessary to comply with the protocols such as hand hygiene, maintaining
social distancing
and wearing face masks to prevent a surge in cases,” he said.
Gupta’s remark came a day after the state reported 82 new Covid-19 infections. It was the biggest spike since January 20. There were approximately 600 active cases in the state as on Wednesday, the bulk of them being in Ranchi.
The legislators, who are attending the ongoing Budget session, were seen complying with the state government’s directive of wearing masks.
Congress’s Umashankar Akela, BJP’s Panki lawmaker Khushwaha Shivpujan Mehta, BJP’s Godda MLA Amit Kumar Mandal, JMM’s Niral Purty were among those who did not wear masks at the time of arrival.
When asked, Akela said: “I left my mask at home in a hurry.” He then collected a surgical mask from the on-duty health department personnel at the portico before entering the building.
Bokaro MLA Biranchi Narayan, who is also the chief whip of BJP’s legislative party, however, called on every one to wear face masks. “On Wednesday, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi appealed to all to wear masks and observe social distancing norms to prevent a surge in cases. Hence, it’s imperative for everyone to respond to the PM’s call,” Narayan said.
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