Maha: COVID-19 case rumour triggers panic in Mantralaya

Panic spread to the Secretariat in Maharashtra on Tuesday in South Mumbai amid rumors that a senior officer has tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection, prompting authorities to launch a cleanliness drive in the seven-story building.

An official while speaking to PTI said that the senior officer’s relatives had tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection. He said that the officials concerned have gone on leave, as a precautionary cleanliness campaign has been carried out in the building.

However, he clarified that the officer concerned tested negative for the novel coronavirus. “The Public Works Department, which oversees the seven-story, has carried out a cleanliness drive. Instructions have been given to clean spaces such as railings, escalators, and handles of chairs placed outside every department on every floor.” said.

The official said that the cleaning staff has been made available to the staff and instructions for the maintenance of personal hygiene. Due to the steady increase in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the state government has already restricted the entry of visitors into the ministry.