Several districts of Jharkhand are making Covid-19 tests mandatory for people coming from neighbouring states, a precautionary measure being adopted after a steady rise in the number of positive cases.
On Sunday, the Deoghar district administration notified mandatory Covid-19 tests for all those coming to the temple town from any state. The notification, signed by deputy commissioner Nancy Sahay, read, “Everyone coming to Deoghar from other states will now have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 test at community health centres (CHCs) in the district. Till the time report arrives, they should stay in institutional quarantine centre.”
On the reasons behind the move, Sahay said that they had found that visitors to the district were violating the state government’s advisory on home quarantine.
“As per government advisory, 14-day home quarantine is a must for all those who are coming from outside while those coming from notified red zones must be in institutional quarantine. But in Deoghar, we are coming across cases where people are violating it which necessitated mandatory tests for all incoming people now.”
Ramgarh district has also announced mandatory tests. Deputy commissioner Sandeep Singh said, “We are also appealing to the public to inform the administration if they come across people coming to the district from other states.”
Sources in the state government said that other districts would soon announce similar testing rules. An official in the state disaster management department said, “Chief secretary Sukhdev Singh has directed districts to take tough action against violators and ensure implementation of all prescribed guidelines. Districts are stepping up vigil in the light of this directive.”
Dumka district administration announced penalties for violation of safety protocols. Deputy commissioner Rajeshwari B said they had fixed penalties of Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 for first, second and third violations. “Those who can’t pay will be made to do shramdaan (community service). Officials have been asked to publicise it among masses to create awareness,” she said.
