New Year celebrations were a dampener as most people confined themselves to their homes as the Covid-19 cases continue to surge in the steel city, triggering fear of getting infected with the killer virus.

Apart from the fear of fast-spreading Coronavirus, the fear of taking the Covid test by the health department officials at public places, especially at parks and picnic spots also prevented many from stepping out of homes.

Jubilee Park and Dimna Lake areas which would remain jam-packed with new year revellers had dismal footfall. Even the Bistupur Main Road which would remain crowded with people had a deserted look throughout the day.

During the past 24 hours, 74 people were tested Coronavirus positive in the city, indicating an increasing trends.

East Singhbhum district civil surgeon, AK Lal confirmed about the spread of Covid-19.

"We have intensified the sample tests in public places, including at the railway station, parks, template and marketplaces.

"We are following a rigorous sample test drive as the Covid cases are spreading fast. The number of cases is likely to shoot further in the next one week, " said Lal while talking to The Telegraph Online.

The civil surgeon pointed out that the district administration has put the management of all hospitals, including the Tata Main Hospital on alert so that the patients down with Covid-19 may be admitted in the hospitals for treatment without any delay.

Significantly, the district administration has also started random mask-checking at hotels and road side eateries.