Chief minister Hemant Soren’s Monday announcement to close academic institutions, cinema halls, malls, parks and other public places till April 14 in the wake of the novel coronavirus threat has brought relief to Ranchiites living in uncertainty.
An official of BIT-Mesra, one of the most premier academic institutions of the capital, said at least they knew what to do now.
“During Holi vacations, a good number of students had left for homes. A few days back we had issued an advisory for them saying they may stay at home for a week and classes may be suspended. But on Monday, we decided to close the institute for the time being, ending this period of uncertainty,” he said.
BPharm student at BIT-Mesra, Prachi Pranamya who hails from Bihar, added the same. “For the past few days we did not know what will happen. We can’t miss classes, it’s a professional course. With the (CM’s) directive, we can leave for home without anxiety,” she said, adding she along with three of her friends would catch the next bus home.
Schools of the capital were also waiting for the formal notifications from the state government.
Principal of DAV Gandhinagar S.K. Sinha said that though exams of junior classes were scheduled they could not compromise with the health of children. “In case the exam of remaining paper is not taken, students will get average marks,” Sinha said
The Jharkhand State Drugs Control Directorate also swung into action after director (drugs) Ritu Sahay on Monday chaired a meeting of chemists and medicine shop owners and associations.
The biggest challenge before the state government is to stop black marketing of face masks and hand sanitizers. An artificial crisis of these two essential commodities has been created and these two items are being sold at inflated prices.
“We are aware of the situation and the matter was discussed during the meeting on Monday. No black marketing will be allowed. We will also ensure procurement of these items whenever required,” said Sahay.
Ranchi deputy commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray also held a meeting with civil surgeon Vijay Bihari Prasad and SDO Lokesh Mishra on their preparations to fight coronavirus.
All government and private hospitals have been directed to ensure persons with breathing complaints get tested for coronavirus.
Order for eateries
Ranchi DC Ray said the district disaster management department has been asked to ensure that owners of restaurants, food outlets and any such place where people gather in large numbers are given hand wash or hand sanitizer.
He added: “Masks and sanitizers have been listed as essential commodities to stop black marketing. If people come to know about any person or medical shop owners charging extra, they must inform the district administration. Action will be taken against black marketing. Pamphlets related to awareness of this virus will be distributed across all schools.”
Unfair-price arrest
The district administration, which has started taking legal action against medical shops for charging exorbitant prices for masks and sanitizers, on Sunday sealed a medical shop, Aushdhalay Medical Dukan, located close to the Sadar hospital. The shop owner had been charging anything from Rs 175 for a mask, people had complained. Deoghar deputy commissioner Nancy Sahay took note and ordered action against the shopkeeper, who was arrested and sent to jail.
