Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Tests Covid Positive. Had Met Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi On Monday

Ashok Gehlot Covid Positive: Ashok Gehlot said he had moderate symptoms and would work from his residence for the next few days

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being welcomed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

Source : PTI

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday. Gehlot said he had moderate symptoms and would work from his residence for the next few days, as per doctors' suggestions.

The Rajasthan CM asked people to take precautions and follow Covid protocols amid rising coronavirus cases in the country.

"I myself have been infected with mild symptoms of Covid. As per the advice of the doctors, I will continue working from my residence for the next few days. All of you should take care and follow Covid protocols," Gehlot tweeted.

Incidentally, Gehlot had welcomed Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Surat on Monday when the former Congress chief went to appeal against his conviction in the Modi surname defamation case. Two other CMs of Congress-ruled states -- Bhupesh Baghel and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -- also accompanied him.

The sessions court in Surat granted bail to Gandhi in the case and will hear the matter on April 13.

Menwhile, BJP leader and former CM of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje also tested postive for coronavirus.

"I have tested positive for Covid-19. I am in complete isolation on the advice of doctors. Those who have been in contact with me, get yourself tested and take precautions," Raje tweeted.

Seventeen new cases of Covid infection were reported in the state on Monday, with 189 people under care.

READ | India Logs 3,038 New Covid Infections, Active Cases Rise To 21,179

On Tuesday, India registered 3,038 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 21,179, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll climbed to 5,30,901 with nine deaths.

The Omicron variant XBB.1.16 is believed to be behind the sudden surge of the cases.

Active cases now comprise 0.05 per cent of the total infections and the national recovery rate stands at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said.

According to the ministry's website, 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.