PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 25: The East Singhbhum district administration on Saturday issued orders for Covid tests at picnic spots in and around Jamshedpur.
Picnickers will have to undergo Covid tests – RAT and RT- PCR – at Dimna Lake, Jubilee Park and other picnic spots, which draws huge footfall.
“Picnic is not prohibited at Dimna Lake and other places, but picnickers must adhere to Covid norms like wearing masks and social distancing,” said a health department official.
He further said that Covid test is made mandatory in picnic spots due to the possible threat of a third wave caused by Omicron, a new mutant of the novel coronavirus.
Currently, over 1,000 people visit Dimna Lake every day. But the yearend crowd is expected to swell to thousands, posing a challenge for the police administration.
A senior police officer said they will start large-scale Covid testing at the lake as a strategy to diffuse numbers.
“We cannot prevent people from picnicking at Dimna lake and other picnic spots. But, at the same time, we have to ensure that those coming must adhere to Covid norms. As many people are reluctant to get tested, this might discourage them to throng the spot,” he added.
