India currently records over 17lakh cases and the situation is steadily worsening.
On Sunday, 2nd August, Home Minister Amit Shah was tested positive of SARS- CoV-2. The 55-year-old minister is the first in the Cabinet to be detected of the virus. He is currently stable but took to Twitter to assure people of his steady health and current condition.
Amit Shah partook in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday where all forms of social distancing were followed. The meeting also included defence minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Cabinet meetings take place in PM Modi’s official residence, which in turn makes it necessary to take even more precautions to prevent the infection from spreading. While all other meetings are arranged virtually, Cabinet meetings are taking place in person.
Social distancing norms included safe distancing, sanitization, temperature check and use of Arogya Setu App.
Despite ever measure been taken, Shah pleaded anyone who had come in contact with him to take care of themselves, maintain self-quarantine and get checked by professionals. To ensure safety, extensive contract tracing will be done regarding who came in contact with the Home Minister of India.
“On getting the initial symptoms of coronavirus, I got the test done and the report came back positive. My health is fine, but I am being admitted to the hospital on the advice of doctors. I request that all of you who have come in contact with me in the last few days, please isolate yourself and get your inquiry done.” Amit shah tweeted on Sunday.
Following the incident, Babul Supriyo, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate, one of the few ministers who had met Amit Shah recently, tweeted to show his solidarity and how he will comply to self-quarantine. Rajya Sabha MP, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe too has self quarantined himself. IT and Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has also opted for self-isolation.
“I had met Hon’ble HM Shri @AmitShah Ji day before in the evening. I am advised by Doctors to confine myself, away from my family members, for the next few days with a test to be done soon. Shall abide with all precautionary measures as per Rules & Protocol”
~Babul Supriyo
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to Twitter to question why Amit Shah was admitted to a private hospital and not AIIMS in Delhi. HM Amit Shah is currently admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, for treatment.
“True. Wonder why our Home Minister, when ill, chose not to go to AIIMS but to a private hospital in a neighbouring state.” The Congress leader further said that public institutions need the “patronage of the powerful if they are to inspire public confidence”, tweeted Shashi Tharoor.
The raging pandemic has already cost India 38,135 deaths and has affected people from many walks of like. A minister in UP, Kamal Rani Varun died in a Lucknow hospital today due to COVID-19.
Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Tamil Nadu was also tested positive today and is admitted to hospital.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister from Madhya Pradesh was also tested positive of coronavirus last week but he is doing well now. He too shared is solidarity and prayer for Home Minister’s quick recovery over Twitter.
The country lifted some restricted last which was ‘Unlock 3’. Due to economic pressure, the Government was forced to lift certain restrictions in certain branches all over the nation. That definitely owed to the sudden spike in the number of infected in July. In fact, 60% of cases in India was recorded in July.
Mohona Bhattacharya
Banaras Hindu University
2nd Year, English Hons.
Varanasi, UP. Mohona is an avid reader and equality seeker. She takes a keen interest in painting and finds solace among books, coffee, nature and dogs.
