On-spot Covid tests for those without mask in public

Ranchi district administration is planning to roll out a special drive against those who do not wear masks while moving around in public by making it mandatory for them to undertake an immediate Covid test.

As a part of the administration’s strategy to curb the spread of the coronavirus amid fears of a possible second wave, deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan said mask-checking drives drive would be launched in a day or two.

“Officials have been asked to form teams to tour different places,” Ranjan said, adding that violators would be made to undergo Covid tests at two static centres. “These centres are coming up at Sainik Bazar and the GEL Church Complex. We are also working out plans to roll out another round of mass testing,” he added.

Last week, fearing a resurgence of coronavirus infections post-Chhath, the state health department asked all 24 districts to be adequately equipped with beds, sufficient stocks of medicines and testing kits for early detection.

On Monday, Ranjan held a meeting with various Covid combat teams to assess the ground situation. With the recent unlocking of businesses and the transport sector, streets are once again abuzz with people with many violating basic Covid safety norms.

Ranjan said, “Beds aren’t an issue at the moment as RIMS and other Covid care centres are vacant and in case of a spike, we have back-up plans. The civil surgeon has been asked to evaluate other medical requirements on priority so that required facilities are kept ready.”

An official of the district health department, unwilling to be named added, “Tentatively, we are aiming to roll out mega testing drives at transit points like railway stations, bus stands and gateways into Ranchi district. Many people are travelling between Jharkhand and Bihar and other states.”