Bihar: 75 BJP leaders, HQ staff test positive for COVID-19
What's the story
In a shocking development, the headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in poll-bound Bihar's Patna emerged as the latest COVID-19 hotspot after as many as 75 leaders and office staff members reportedly tested coronavirus positive.
Top leaders who were found infected include state vice-presidents Rajesh Verma and Radha Mohan Sharma, state general secretary Devesh Kumar, and state general secretary (organization) Nagendra.
Here's more.
Details
Samples of around 100 people collected for testing
According to reports, the samples of around 100 BJP leaders and office staff members were collected for COVID-19 testing on Monday.
This was done after a party leader, who took part in a regional meeting of the BJP four days ago, tested positive for the virus.
Later, the reports of 75 office-bearers and staff members were found to be positive for the infection.
Information
Bihar BJP's HQ declared as containment zone
The BJP headquarters, located at Patna's Beer Chand Patel Marg, has been sealed by the district administration, which has also declared the party office as a containment zone. The administration has also started thoroughly sanitizing the BJP's state office, said reports.
Statement
Here's what Bihar BJP President Sanjay Jaiswal had to say
"After one of our office bearers tested positive, we decided to collect samples of around 100 people who were frequently visiting the BJP office in Patna," Bihar BJP President, Sanjay Jaiswal, was quoted as saying by Republic TV.
"Most of them who have tested positive have absolutely no symptom of coronavirus and are asymptomatic," he added.
Quote
Will soon take a call on virtual rallies: Jaiswal
"Top BJP leaders are addressing virtual rallies from their residences, with the presence of workers in their constituencies but we will soon take a call whether to continue with the virtual rallies for now or not," Jaiswal told Republic TV.
Situation
Bihar government announces 15-day lockdown till July 31
The number of COVID-19 cases in Bihar is on the rise; nearly 18,000 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus so far, while 160 people succumbed to the deadly disease.
In the last 24 hours, Bihar witnessed 1,116 new cases and nine fatalities. In view of the surge in cases, the state government on Tuesday declared a 15-day complete lockdown from July 16-31.