HP assembly speaker, minister Markanda among 247 test +ve

DHARAMSHALA/SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh recorded 247 fresh Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, taking the state’s total tally to 18,009.

Of the new cases, 54 were reported in Shimla, 37 in Solan, 34 each in Kullu and Mandi, 27 in Sirmaur, 17 in Kangra, 15 in Bilaspur, 11 in Hamripur, nine each in Chamba and Una and five in Lahaul-Spiti.

Himachal assembly speaker Vipin Singh Parmar tested positive for Covid-19 in late evening. “After initial symptoms, I got tested and the results came as positive. I am home isolating at my official residence and will be back soon after recovering,” Parmar wrote on his Facebook page.

State information technology and tribal development minister Ram Lal Markanda, 54, has tested positive for Covid-19. Markanda is in isolation at his official residence in Shimla. He developed symptoms of coronavirus infection and underwent the test for Covid-19. “I had come across a corona positive person. I have tested positive and have isolated myself at the residence on the doctor’s advice,” he shared on social media.

Death toll reaches 250

The death toll in the hill-state has touched 250-mark as one more patient succumbed to the contagion. Wednesday’s fatality

was reported in Mandi district.

Till date, Kangra district has recorded maximum 55 deaths, followed by Shimla where 54 people have died due to the virus. Solan, the worst hit district in terms of number of cases, has recorded 35 deaths. The case fatalities in state are at 1.4%.

Meanwhile, the recoveries in Himachal have crossed the 15,000-mark as 232 more people were discharged on Wednesday.