Jharkhand: 15 checkpoints in Steel City to check Covid violators

JAMSHEDPUR: The East Singhbhum district administration has started setting up ‘naka bandhis’ (check points) at 15 areas across Steel City to ensure that safety protocols, like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing norms, are being followed. On Wednesday, SSP M Tamil Vanan said, “Those found violating the Covid-19 norms, would have to face dire consequences.”

Sources said that policemen at the check points will restrict unnecessary movement by the people within the city and the new protocol of only one person on a bike and two in a four-wheeler, which includes the driver, will be implemented with an iron hand.

The measures come in the wake of the district witnessing a sharp surge in virus cases in the few weeks. As of Wednesday morning, East Singhbhum recorded 1,595 cases, of which 1038 are active while 24 succumbed to the virus.

Meanwhile, the district administration on Wednesday served show-cause notices to more than 10 shopkeepers here for allegedly not following the safety protocols. A district team, led by DC Suraj Kumar, on Tuesday conducted a surprise inspection of several markets in Steel City and found that many of the business establishments were not following the Covid norms, following which they served the notices. Sources said the shopkeepers have been asked to give their replies within the next 72 hours.