Chief minister Hemant Soren said on Wednesday that the state government was doing its best to manage the spike in Covid-19 cases and apologised to those who faced problems in the last few days while campaigning in Madhupur for the April 17 byelection.
Facing severe criticism, primarily for inadequacies in dedicated Covid treatment facilities, he assured people that he was keeping a strict watch on the situation and that systems were being streamlined.
Hemant, who has been camping in Madhupur since April 9, is expected to return to Ranchi on Wednesday night.
In the recent weeks, Jharkhand has witnessed an exponential rise in Covid-19 cases and shortage of hospital beds for critical patients.
In statement, the chief minister said," Please don’t believe in any kind of rumors that are doing rounds. I am regularly in touch with authorities in the state to keep a strict vigil over Covid-19 situation in the state and issuing necessary directives from time to time. We are faced with an unprecedented situation and despite resource crunch and other challenges, the government is working its best to provide solace to its people and fight the virus. I am sorry if anyone faced any problems in recent days, but I once again assure you that this is your government and it will go to all extent to safeguard its people in war against covid-19.”
Hemant appealed to people to help the government in fighting the pandemic by following the protocols. “Don’t venture out of your homes without the mask in any situation and follow all the protocols advised by the government to stay safe,” he said.
Criticising Opposition parties, mainly the BJP for its double standards, Hemant said, “I also request Opposition parties to stop creating panic in the state for their political mileage. Like they (BJP) are spending all energies in Bengal election, Madhupur too is part of the country and Jharkhand where polling is happening on the directions of the Election Commission of India and union government.”
On Tuesday, the state reported 29 casualties and 2,844 new infections in a single day. As per the records, Tuesday’s 24-hour death toll was almost equivalent to that of total fatalities recorded in February and March this year.
