Hemant goes into self-isolation after minister tests Covid +ve

Ranchi: Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday took to Twitter and informed about his decision to self-isolate himself at home after one of his cabinet ministers and an MLA of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) tested positive for Covid-19.
Naming the infected lawmakers, Hemant said, “Both are under treatment at government hospitals. As a precautionary measure, I will be in self-isolation for a few days and dispense my duties.” Hemant closed his message by advising denizens to stay away from crowded places and to venture out of their homes with faces covered.
In a statement, Jharkhand’s public relations department said Hemant had recently come in contact with the minister. “Himself under home-quarantine, the CM has urged officials and employees of his office to remain in home quarantine. Entry to CM’s resident (in Kanke Road) has been prohibited,” the statement read. According to sources in his office, Hemant met the minister last on July 6.
Sources in the state health, medical education and family welfare department said Hemant and his family members have been put under medical observation and their samples will be collected for tests on July 11.
While the minister was admitted to the Covid-19 block of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) on Tuesday midnight, the MLA was taken to BCCL Central Hospital in Dhanbad on Tuesday evening.
Ranchi deputy commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray said the minister’s office in Nepal House has been sealed and sanitization drives at his office and government bungalow in Doranda are underway. “Around 200 people, who came in contact with him recently, have been identified and placed under home quarantine,” Ray said.
The minister had moved into the bungalow last weekend and had hosted a house party on July 3, which was attended by Hemant as well, sources in JMM said. “He pays regular visits to Hemant and last met the CM on July 6,” a party functionary informed.
The minister may have contracted the disease during his recent visit to Garhwa. However, his wife, bodyguards and family members tested negative. “The minister continues to be stable,” a Rims official said on Wednesday evening.
Hemant’s residence was also sanitized on Wednesday afternoon. Visitors, who had assembled upon prior appointments, were turned back. On Tuesday, Hemant had attended the inauguration of a private hospital in the city.
Meanwile, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Wednesday shut its headquarters in Bariatu Road indefinitely, a statement issued by the party said. Hatia MLA Navin Jaiswal, who recently met the minister, also went into self-isolation. BJP’s state president Deepak Prakash prayed for the minister’s speedy recovery.
As on Wednesday morning, Jharkhand’s Covid-19 tally stood at 3,056. The state has 930 active cases while 22 deaths have been reported.