Bihar: Violation Of Covid Norms During Elections, Chhath Puja Pushes Virus Spread; Tally Surges Past 2 Lakh-Mark

Bihar: Corona tally in the state stands at 2,31,697, with as many as 5,016 active cases. While 2,25,447 have recovered, over 1,233 people succumbed to the deadly disease.

Image (PTI Photo)

Recently concluded State Assembly Elections and huge gatherings during the festivals of Diwali and Chhath has evidently given a push to the Coronavirus tally in Bihar. In addition, the increasing cases of corona infection in Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan have further given the state a cause a concern. The state health department on Tuesday said that Bihar reported 653 new COVID-19 cases and 746 recoveries in last 24 hours. With this, the Corona tally in the state stands at 2,31,697, with as many as 5,016 active cases. While 2,25,447 have recovered, over 1,233 people succumbed to the deadly disease. Covid Norms Goes For Toss During Assembly Polls, Diwali, Chhath Despite strict actions imposed, the Covid-19 protocols went unheeded as people gathered in huge numbers without wearing masks or caring for social distancing during election rallies and festive gatherings. Several instances of public meetings came to notice during the election rallied where large numbers of crowds assembled in utter violation of social distancing. Similarly, during the inter state migration on the occasion of Diwali and Chhath Puja witnessed people in great numbers rushing to trains without following any social distancing. Steps Taken To Tackle Covid-19 Situation In Bihar In view of the increasing number of Coronavirus cases in the state, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar has instructed to conduct a special campaign by videoconferencing with all the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of all the districts have been directed to take strict action against those who roam around without wearing face masks and violate social distancing norms. If caught without a mask for the first time, then a fine of Rs 50 is already fixed, but if caught without wearing a mask more than once, the police can file a case under Section 188 of the IPC. Once the case is registered, the person may also have to go to jail as a punishment. It is mandatory to put on facemask while traveling in car, bus or train. Vehicles will also be confiscated if caught driving cars, bikes, trucks, bicycles, autos, e-rickshaws without applying masks. Moreover, vendor zones where people will not wear masks will be closed for three days.