Sadanand Gowda, Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers in the Narendra Modi Cabinet, tested positive for the coronavirus infection. The former Chief Minister of Karnataka took to Twitter to make the announcement. In a brief post on the micro-blogging site, Gowda said that he got tested for Covid-19 infection after he noticed mild symptoms. The Union Minister has isolated himself. He urged people to follow Covid rules. Gowda joins the long list of the ministers in the Modi government, who have tested positive for the coronavirus infection. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, transport minister Nitin Gadkari, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan are among those who had tested positive for the viral infection.
India’s coronavirus tally is nearing 90 lakh as the surge remains unabated. Major metros across India have seen several Covid-19 hotspots. While many are excited about the good news on the vaccine front, the WHO has said that the Covid protocols cannot be replaced. The WHO says that the vaccine should be part of the strategy to beat pandemic along with the other measures such as face coverings and regular washing of hands. Several European nations have imposed stringent lockdowns to curb the corona spike.
Meanwhile, Delhi is battling the surge in coronavirus cases. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has increased the fine of Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 for not wearing masks. The Delhi government has announced a slew of measures, including reservation of 80 per cent of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in private hospitals.
The government has also said that it will increase the number of RT-PCR tests to 27,000 per day. To tackle the Covid-19 situation, the government is also trying to engage MBBS students and interns in Delhi.
