In a significant move, the Ranchi police have taken the initiative to provide face shields to frontline cops. The Ranchi police will submit a proposal to state headquarter with a demand of face shields for cops.

The newly appointed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Ranchi, Surendra Kumar Jha said, “Face shields offer effective protection against the virus. It provides better facial protection and prevents wearer from touching their faces. Respiratory viruses can infect a person not only through mouth and nose, but through other ways too. A face shields with mask would be helpful for those who come in contact with lots of people every day.”

The Ranchi SSP who is optimistic of getting the face shields claim that the district police will prepare the proposal and will submit it to state headquarter soon. Apart from face shields, the district police has provided Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE) kits to police personnel at respective police stations.

The PPE kits used to prevent exposure includes gloves, a gown, a respirator with a rating of N95 or higher, and a full face shield or goggles. Apart from these, all police stations and cops on duty have been asked to use masks and sanitizers on duty.

The Ranchi police has extra precaution on safety of cops is in wake up to several police stations in State Capital witnessing Covid 19 cases. In past few weeks there has been a spurt in Covid cases and infection reaching to government offices, police stations and other public places. Last week, six police personnel tested positive in the capital from different police stations—Bariatu, Chutia, Hindpiri, Argora and Dhurwa and one from Police Line.

As more and more cops and government offices coming in contact with infection, the state government as precautionary measures restricted the entry of people to three major government office buildings of Jharkhand- the Nepal House, Dornada, Project Building, Dhurwa and the CM’s office-after drinking water and sanitation department minister tested positive for Covid-19.

Ranchi SSP Jha said, “After some police personnel were tested positive as precautionary measures we sanitize the police stations from which cases were reported. Contact tracing of persons was done and those having symptoms were sent to home quarantine.”  Complaint drop boxes have been put outside the police stations so that common people can drop their compliant at boxes rather than reaching police stations. An awareness drive is also being taken out under which cops are briefed about the preventive measures.