8 more test positive in HP, count now 14

SHIMLA/DHARAMSHALA: The state has witnessed a sudden spurt in coronavirus cases as eight people tested positive on Sunday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 14, officials said.

Three Tablighi workers from Nalagarh who were tested positive have been admitted to the isolation ward in IGMC. Four persons who had come in contact with Covid-19 positive woman who died in PGMIER, Chandigarh due to the disease were also tested positive and have been admitted to Medanta hospital.

A Tablighi worker has also tested positive for Covid-19 in Kangra district. He was admitted to an isolation centre in Zonal Hospital Dharamshala.

Meanwhile, chief minister Jai Ram Thakur has sanctioned ₹1.5 crore from State Disaster Response Fund to the police department to purchase highrisk personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and N-95 masks.

He also directed the state drug authorities to ensure an adequate supply of essential medicines in the state. Thakur said that citizens requiring medicines can call on helpline numbers 0177-2626076 and 0177-2626077 or toll-free 1070.

DISCLOSE TRAVEL HISTORY OR FACE ACTION: POLICE TO TABLIGHI MEMBERS

The police on Sunday set a deadline for Tablighi workers to disclose their travel history or face action under the State Disaster Management Act.

The police said sections including murder and attempt to murder will also be added if details are not revealed.

The police also booked state head of Tablighi Jamaat Hukumudin, a retired head constable for concealing the information of a Tablighi member who attended the religious congregation in Delhi.

He was booked under Sections 188, 269 and 270 of the Indian Penal Code.