Journalist among 2 more positive cases in Himachal
Shimla: In a big jolt to the government's consistent efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh, two more persons, including a journalist, were tested positive on Wednesday.
The detection of both cases, one in Kangra district and other in Chamba –both hotspots, has led to a fresh wave of scare among citizens, besides local administration.
Kangra's Superintendent of Police Vimut Ranjan confirmed the reports as he led the police and local health officials to a prompt action to quarantine the family members of journalist.
Reports said journalist, a native of Kangra village, was working in Punjab with a media group and had arrived at his home along with two other persons without informing the local administration.
Two other persons with him have been tested negative while his tests came positive.
"We will take an appropriate legal action for the lapse and violations done by a particular person . The press and media persons will also be subjected to certain restrictions " said an official at Dharamshala.
The second person, whose samples were tested positive, was kept at a quarantine centre from where he was advised to go into home quarantine. But, he developed symptoms of novel Coronavirus that led to testing.
Director-General of Police SR Mardi revealed that one person ,who was tested positive from Una on Tuesday, happens to be son of a local moulvi liked to Tablighi Jamaat.
The police have invoked section 307 IPC against this persons, who had concealed information about being in contact with Tablighi Jamaat persons earliest tested positive. Two FIRs have been registered in the case as, despite repeated requests and also warning, they committed grave violations.
"This was an act of stupidity. I appeal to all to adhere to the guidelines and law" said DGP. The total number of cases in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 35, of which 15 alone are from the Una district.
Himachal Pradesh has made wearing of face cover at public places and authorised all policemen, including constables to book all persons violating this direction.
Chief Minister passed fresh orders to identify primary and secondary contacts of Tablighi Jamat and they tested.
He said the government has also invoked strict orders to ban spitting at public places as it could lead to the spread of the virus.
Chief Minister reiterated that there would be a complete restriction on inter-district and intra-district movement and no vehicle, except permitted by the Government. The hotspots of Coronavirus would be sealed and there would be no relaxation in curfew in these areas.
