Jamshedpur Coronavirus: Eight containment zones come up in Sonari as Covid cases spike

Jamshedpur, Jan 17: The Sonari and Telco localities of the city have turned out to be new Covid hotspots with the district health department detecting over 170 positive cases during the last two days.

With the surge in cases as many as eight containment zones were declared in residential areas close to Sonari market. Local civic body – Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC ) has also put up barricades from all sides preventing entry of people to market. Barricades were also put up on the main road restricting movement of vehicles.

Health department officials confirmed that in the last 24 hours alone Sonari area reported the maximum 91 cases on Sunday alone. While 74 cases were reported from Telco, 71 from Mango, and 68 from Kadma.

District surveillance officer Sahir Pal blamed people for not adhering to Covid protocols. ” People have not stopped moving around outside even as the state government has imposed a seven days lockdown to break the Covid chain, ” said Pal, apprehending a further spike in positive cases. Maximum number of Covid affected people were found in Kadma, Telco, Sonari, Mango and Bistupur.

The street food vendors, some of whom had taken small loans to buy push carts and other essentials, are facing the brunt of the situation ever since the state government announced a mini lockdown in view of the spike in Covid cases across Jharkhand.

The vendors in Bistupur, Sakchi, Kadma, Sonari, Burmamines and other places are facing hardship owing to the situation. Most are finding it hard to maintain their respective families. They fear that the lockdown would be extended and their problems would continue.

As people continue to violate the Covid-19 guidelines despite severe third wave, the Police on Monday launched an awareness-cum-enforcement drive for wearing masks in public places across the city.  “I appeal to all the residents to wear masks whenever they leave their home. Together, we will defeat Corona,” said SSP M Tamil Vanan. He said that a mask is a must for everyone while stepping out of home. Mask is not a substitute for a helmet. Both are required while riding.

The drive was aimed to create awareness on social distancing and wearing masks, in market places and busy areas. The administration has made it mandatory for everyone to wear a mask (either three-layered or made of cloth) if they are outside their homes. And those violating this rule are being booked by the police.