COVID-19: Rajasthan CM directs officials to set up isolation wards in district hospitals

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot instructed officials on Friday to make arrangements for setting up isolation wards in hospitals in the districts and maintain the supply of medicines for the patients.

Chairing a review meeting on coronavirus situation in the state through video conferencing, he advised officials to ensure that social distancing is adhered to in the state and that gatherings of large number of people are not allowed.

"Our topmost priority is to save the lives of people of the state. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure this across state. In this time of crisis, everyone has to work much more seriously," Gehlot said.

Strict action will be taken if anybody is found violating the rules. Raising awareness regarding precautions against spread of the pathogen in small towns and villages must be done on a war footing, the chief minister said.

He also directed the officials concerned to keep a strict vigil on the health condition of people who have returned from abroad and even after their screening.

Rajasthan has reported seven coronavirus cases, including that of two foreigners. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there are 206 COVID-19 cases in India, even as the Union health ministry put the tally to 195 on Friday after registering 22 fresh cases.