Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government has taken several preventive measures to check spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the State besides ensuring that people are provided essential commodities at their door steps or atleast nearer to their homes.Chief Minister was addressing the Ministers, MPs, BJP MLAs and BJP candidates who were in fray in Vidhan Sabha elections through video conferencing from Shimla today. He said that the State Government imposed curfew throughout the State from 24th March, 2020 to avoid overcrowding and maintaining the norms of social distancing. He said that till date 1113 persons have been investigated for COVID-19 and 32 were tested positive. Out of these 32 persons, as many as 12 patients have been cured, four have migrated out of the State and one person had died adding that at present there were 15 active cases within the State.Jai Ram Thakur said that above cases have been reported from five districts of the State which include 14 cases from Una district, nine from Solan district, four each from Chamba and Kangra districts and one from Sirmaur district.Chief Minister said that the State Government has made adequate arrangements for providing plant protection material for the horticulturists and farmers. He said that representatives of PRIs and Urban Local Bodies have been involved to provide essential commodities to the people nearer to their homes.
Jai Ram Thakur said that effective steps were also taken by the State Government to trace out travel history of Tablighi Jamaatis and their contacts to mitigate the impact of corona virus. Out of the total 15 active cases of coronavirus in the State 13 were of Tablighi Jamaatis and their contacts."I am personally holding video conferencing daily with the Deputy Commissioners and other district level officers to monitor the situation", said the Chief Minister. Adequate stock has been maintained in fair price shops and smooth plying of vehicles carrying essential commodities is being ensured. Besides, the doctors and other front line workers have been provided adequate safety equipments and PPE kits.A decision has also been taken to deduct 30 percent salary/honorarium etc. of Chief Minister, Speaker of H.P. Vidhan Sabha, Ministers, Deputy Speaker, Members of Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations and all political appointees for one year, he said.Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur and former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal also gave their valuable suggestions.State BJP President Dr. Rajiv Bindal appreciated the efforts of the State Government led by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur in taking timely decisions to check the spread the virus.State BJP Organising Secretary Pawan Rana also gave his valuable suggestions.