The total number of Covid cases crossed 2,000 in East Singhbhum on Monday with the health authorities saying that new cases were coming up from all areas of the steel city and the rural belt of the district.

But Monday afternoon, five persons had died at Tata Main Hospital taking the death toll in the district to 50. Till 11pm on Sunday, 2,094 people had tested positive with 123 fresh cases, and 45 people had died.

The five who died on Monday are a 77-year-old woman from Mango, an 86-year-old man from Rajendra Nagar in Sakchi, a 47-year-old man from Jugsalai, a 64-year-old woman from Shastrinagar in Kadma and a 76-year-old man, also from Kadma.

Except for the 47-year-old Jugsalai resident, all four deceased had comorbidities. The 86-year-old man from Rajendra Nagar in Sakchi had been diagnosed with dengue.

Expressing concern at the growing number of Covid cases, East Singhbhum civil surgeon Rajendra Jha said despite the district administration’s efforts, very people were adhering to safety norms, like wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

"Marketplaces and streets are filled with people near eateries. If people continue to ignore safety norms, the number of Covid cases may increase further," he told The Telegraph Online.

Jha said he was particularly worried about doctors and health workers, including nurses, many of whom were testing positive. "If people do not follow social distancing norms and wear masks, more and more people will fall victim to the deadly virus. Remember, doctors and health workers are the ones who are exposed to Covid patients. Their chances of getting infected remain high," he said.

Policemen are also at high risk. A large number of positive cases are being reported among CRPF and police personnel stationed at Golmuri.