Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on Sunday that the number of Covid-19 patients in Jharkhand was on the rise as the government has intensified Covid testing across the state and swab samples of at least 8,000 people were tested every day.

While inspecting the arrangements at a colony for displaced people in Kute, which has been converted to a Covid care centre in wake of the rising cases of infection in the state, Hemant said that the government was committed to provide all possible medical facilities to the people of the state.

“There is no need to panic. As we intensify our testing process, the number of cases will rise. But the government will ensure that every patient gets treated and there is no shortage of beds,” Hemant said.

Hemant also inspected a Covid care facility at the Mega Sports Complex on Sunday and directed officials to ensure better treatment of all the patients who are housed at the centre. The chief minister said that 3,000 to 4,000 beds are being added across the state with immediate effect to treat Covid patients.

Presently, the newly constructed houses in the colony at Kute, Ranchi and the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium complex at the Mega Sports Complex have been utilized for treating Covid patients, he said.

“Work is in progress to increase beds for infected patients across the state. I appeal to the people not to have any fear regarding beds and the medical system. The state government will not allow any shortage for the treatment of patients. The government has been very serious since the beginning about addressing infection,” he added.

Incarcerated Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad tested negative for Covid-19 on Sunday, doctors from Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) said. His swab samples were collected for tests on Saturday afternoon as a precautionary measure though he had not shown any symptoms of the viral infection, said Dr Umesh Prasad, who has been treating Lalu at RIMS.