Jharkhand COVID-19: CM Soren calls all-party meet today - will lockdown be imposed?

Amid the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the state, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday has convened an all-party meeting to access the situation and discuss plans to curb the spread of the virus. A statement from the chief minister's office said that the meeting will take place at 6:30 pm virtually. 

In a statement, he said, "An all-party meeting has been fixed through online mode at 6.30 pm tomorrow (Saturday) to discuss the ways to combat COVID-19 in the state. I also appeal to everyone in the state to stay safe and practice COVID appropriate behaviour."

According to some media reports, the state government may go ahead to impose lockdown-like restrictions in the state. However, the Chief Minister is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the state and issuing instructions for further strengthening the healthcare system in the hospitals. 

Meanwhile, the government will in all likelihood postpone or cancel state board exams scheduled from May 4 as Jharkhand Academic Council terminated ongoing practical examinations with immediate effect on Friday. Hemant Soren said that since CBSE and other state boards announced the postponement of exams, Jharkhand would also take a call soon. 

On Thursday, Jharkhand reported close to 3,500 COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike since the outbreak of the virus in March last year. Fatalities are also increasing by the day with the state's health infrastructure coming under stress, battling both resource and manpower crunch.

As per the latest health updates, Jharkhand has 1,51,272 COVID-19 cases. A total of 1,29,301 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the state so far. The death toll due to the virus stands at 1320. There are 20,651 active cases in Jharkhand at present. 

Out of the latest fatalities, nine deaths were reported from East Singhbhum district and seven from Ranchi. The remaining casualties were registered in several other districts.