In a welcome development, the capital district, so far classified under red zone with maximum number of novel coronavirus cases in the state, has now come under orange zone.

Deputy commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray told the media that the district only has 15 active Covid-19 cases as on Saturday.

“So far as many as 112 cases of COVID-19 were detected in the district. Of them, two have died while 95 persons have recovered till date. Thus, as on Saturday, May 23, there are only 15 active cases. This reduction in numbers is a big thing,” the DC said.

He called the dip in active Covid-19 cases the result of both social distancing and proper testing.

A passenger shows his plane ticket to Srinagar at the Birsa Munda Airport. PTI

“As many as 10,000 samples were tested in Ranchi. The testing figure 285 per lakh of the district is better than the national figure of 209 per lakh,” DC Ray said.

However, despite the change from red to orange, the DC said there would be no relaxation in the ongoing lockdown. “The lockdown will continue in its present shape to convert the city into a green zone from the orange zone,” he said.

Ranchi senior superintendent of police Anish Gupta supported the DC by saying those violating lockdown norms by roaming on roads without valid cause were being booked and would continue to be booked. “The police and administration request people to follow lockdown rules in the same way that they have been following so far,” SSP Gupta said.

The deputy commissioner also shared information on assistance provided to migrant labourers in reaching homes during lockdown.

“So far, as many as 7,018 labourers have been dropped to their homes by buses. Two buses have been provided to take migrant labourers who were found walking on roads to shelter homes,” Ray said.

Regarding food arrangement for the poor, DC Ray said: “During the last 24 hours, as many as 40,000 people were provided food at the Dal Bhat Kendra and CM Didi’s Kitchen here.”