Governor Bandaru Dattatraya held a meeting with Chief Secretary and senior officers of the state government to review precautionary measures being taken by the state government regarding COVID-19 epidemic.While appreciating the steps taken by the state government to deal with this epidemic, he said that the situation in Himachal Pradesh is under control and the personnel working in the emergency services are rendering their services sincerely. He said that presently, apart from a woman there is no Coronavirus positive case in the state. However, social distancing and the guidelines given by the state government from time to time should be widely publicized so that the situation remains in control in future as well.He said that the supply chain of essential commodities should be maintained smoothly so that there is no shortage of food items and other essential commodities. He said that home supply service of essential commodities can be an effective step in this direction. He emphasized on developing more telemedicine centers in the tribal areas.Shri Dattatreya appealed to the people of the state to cooperate during this difficult time. He said that the curfew has been imposed for the safety of the people, so especially the working class should stay where they are by ensuring proper social distancing. The government has arranged food and lodging facility for them and many voluntary organizations are also coming forward for their help.
Chief Secretary Anil Khachi apprised the Governor that the Chief Minister is reviewing the situation on daily basis and proper instructions are being given from time to time. At present, the situation in the state is under control.The Governor was informed during the meeting that till now 2870 people have been kept under surveillance in the state, out of which 857 people have completed the required surveillance period of 28 days. As many as 1730 people are still under surveillance while 173 people have already left the state. So far, one person has died of corona virus in the state who was a Tibetan resident and has returned back from America. Another person has been discharged and now only a 63-year-old woman, who was found positive for COVID-19 virus has been quarantined at Tanda medical college.It was informed that laboratories of IGMC Shimla and Tanda medical college have been authorized by ICMR to examine samples of COVID-19 cases. Now, the state government has written a letter to the government of India and ICMR to authorize laboratories at CRI Kasauli and regional hospital Mandi for testing the samples of COVID-19 virus. With a view to prevent and control this epidemic effectively, the Himachal Pradesh Epidemic Disease (COVID-19) Regulation-2020 has been notified on 14 March, 2020.Additional Chief Secretary, Health RD Dhiman gave detailed information about facilities of ventilators, isolation wards and availability of investigation and treatment in the state.Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjay Kundu also informed about the various steps being taken by the state government for prevention of this virus.Secretary to the Governor Rakesh Kanwar was also present on the occasion.