Panic grips steel city as Covid cases rise to 24

Panic gripped the Steel City as the novel coronavirus positive cases rose to 24 with four cases tested positive in the city on Sunday alone. One of the positive cases reported in the city from Baridih was home quarantined and had returned from Ranchi on May 12. The health team took sample on May 17 and result was tested positive today. The other two cases reported today also belonged to Bardih and one case came from Sidhgora.  The authority has already sealed residential areas in Baridih.

Though Jamshedpur was under a green zone but with rising cases it has come under orange zone. After the news of four new positive cases, people are under shock. A government employee stated that the decision to bring back migrant workers from various parts of the country was premature. “It is really very surprising to see cases rising with every passing day. The corona situation in the city may worsen after people who are stranded outside the State are transported back. Once they arrive, these people should be quarantined for at least 28 days and the administration should monitor their movement,” said the employee.

The first positive case of Covid-19 was also reported from West Singhbhum at Chaibasa. The youth is of 22 year old and had returned from Chennai on May 14.

Most of the cases reported in Kolhan Division are that of migrant labourers. The administration has asked the authorities to ensure strict screening of the people coming back to the city. Special focus is being laid on the screening. The administration has also set a screening centre at Loyola School where the swab is being collected from those suspects returning back to the city.

The administration has formed teams at block-level and also in three civic bodies of Jamshedpur, Jugsalai and Mango for strict vigil on suspected cases.

“ The is taking every step to control the situation. The people should continue to follow the lockdown norms and must not come out of their houses because the lockdown has been relaxed. I don't think that anybody is loitering on the streets without any reason. The city is under orange zone than the people will come out of their houses according to those guidelines,” said an official.

The vigil has been stepped up at Tatanagar Railway Station. All the passengers are undergoing thermal screening, and have to fill up their travel history and contact details at the Tatanagar Station.

 Meanwhile, the administration is keeping close vigil on those returning back to the city. An official informed that vigil on those returning have been increased in order to ensure that suspects are identified.