COVID-19: Bar on visitors in Jharkhand Assembly premises

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday said that the Assembly has taken a decision to ban visitors, but the House has not decided about adjournment in view of coronavirus outbreak in the country. If necessary, a decision would be taken (on the adjournment of the budget session, which is scheduled till March 28, Soren told a press conference here.

He said precautionary measures would be taken for the members of the House and staff of the assembly. "Adjournment of the House has not been taken, as yet, but a decision has been taken to bar visitors coming in the premises of the assembly," the chief minister said.

"After a high-level meeting with officials, it has been decided to close all schools, colleges, swimming pools, gymnasiums, clubs and multiplexes till April 14," Soren said. He said directions would be given to the private sectors not to cut pay or honorarium of their employees if they fail to turn up on account of any threat of the disease.

"A lab has been set up in Jamshedpur and very soon another will be installed in Ranchi and in the five divisions to test (samples)," Soren said, adding as people from several districts and blocks work outside the state coronavirus lab test would be set up there. The Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 has been invoked, which empowers the Deputy Commissioners to take decisions.

By March 20, he added, 300 doctors and para-medical staff trained to deal with the situation would be available. PTI PVR SNS SNS.

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