With spike in Covid-19 cases, Bihar cancels leave of docs, health workers

With the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the Nitish Kumar-led govt in Bihar on Friday cancelled leaves of all the doctors and health workers till April 5. Only those who are on maternity leave and study leave will be exempted from this order, which has been issued to face any adverse situation arising out of a fresh spike in coronavirus cases.

Though the situation in the state is not alarming the statistics show a nearly 100 per cent jump in fresh cases after 107 persons tested positive on Thursday, compared to 58 on Wednesday in Bihar. This is the sharpest spike in the state since February 2.

The government expects more positive cases to be reported in the next fortnight as thousands of migrants and other people are likely to return to Bihar from other states on the eve of Holi to celebrate the festival of colours with their respective family members.

“A directive has been issued by the Joint Secretary of the Health Department, Anil Kumar, asking all the doctors and health workers, who are on leave, to join their duty with immediate effect. Except for those on maternity leave and study leave, no other employees will be allowed to avail their leave till April 5,” said a senior government official.

He added that the order would be applicable to everyone - be it the top Health Department officials, doctors, nurses, or the ANM, para-medical staff, health trainers, and the lab technicians.