Himachal CM's security personnel test COVID-19 +ve

Two security personnel deployed to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's cavalcade tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday. The infected personnel, who were admitted to the state-run Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Hospital, were on duty in the Chief Minister's Office on August 11 when the Cabinet met in Shimla.

Shimla: Two personnel deployed to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's cavalcade were tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday, triggering panic among state ministers and government functionaries.

Thakur, who is in the state capital and had returned this week after his visits to Kangra and Una, is also likely to undergo a test.

One of those who tested positive is security personnel, while another is a driver deployed in the Chief Minister's escort vehicle.

Both were admitted to the state-run Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Hospital here. It is learnt that the two infected personnel were also on duty in the Chief Minister's Office on August 11 when the Cabinet met here.

Earlier, Thakur went into self-quarantine on July 22 after a deputy secretary in his office tested positive.

At that time, the Chief Minister, his wife and two other family members had tested negative for the virus.

Newly-inducted minister Sukh Ram Chaudhary, who holds the power portfolio, and his two daughters were had positive on July 6. His personal security officer was also tested positive.

With 139 positive cases, the state on Wednesday saw the highest-ever single-day spike in cases, taking the overall tally to 3,636, with 16 deaths.

IANS