Lockdown is a bitter yet most effective solution to contain virus spread: HP CM

SHIMLA: Worried over the sudden spike in Corona cases in Himachal Pradesh, mainly Tablighi Jamaat returnees, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday did not rule out possibilities of extending the lockdown beyond April 14. "The lockdown, in fact, is a bitter yet most effective solu- tion to contain virus spread.

Social distancing is also the only way out to break the chain. Tablighi Jamaat peo- ple returning from Nizamuddin have themselves added-up

to the tally. They have created country-wide havoc. They even have infested others in their close contacts," said Thakur. He admitted that it's not possible to forecast as to how long this lockdown should go. State's Director General of Police S R Mardi said: "Now, it is clear that 75 per cent of the COVID 19 positive cases are linked to Tablighi Jamaat both directly and through their contacts. Of the total 27 positive cases so far, there are 20 active cases and are linked to Jamaatis." On Wednesday of a total of128 samples tested, 128 samples tested negative. "I appeal to the people of the state not to panic and avoid rumours. The state government is prepared to deal with any situation. We will get each of the Tablighi Jamaat persons, who participated in Nizamuddin congregation, tested and their contacts traced," the chief minister assured.