4 Retreat staffers test +ve ahead of President’s visit

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 12

Officials of the security agencies and district administration are on tenterhooks after four employees of The Retreat (summer resort of the President) tested positive for Covid ahead of President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to the state capital on September 16.

Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Sharma said The Retreat was being sanitised and everyone who would be in close proximity with the President, including the VIPs, would be tested for Covid. President Kovind will address a special session of the Vidhan Sabha to mark the golden jubilee of Himachal’s statehood on September 17. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar today chaired a meeting to review the arrangements. He directed the officers to strictly follow the standard operating procedures and ensure that all arrangements were in place by September 15.

There are about 50-60 employees at The Retreat, but the number has swelled as some staffers of the President have already arrived. Those tested positive have been quarantined at Craignano in Mashobra, said Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi.

The President will arrive at Kalyani helipad on September 16 for a five-day programme. He would fly to Annandale and reach the Vidhan Sabha by road. He is also scheduled to visit the Indian Audit and Accounts Academy, Yarrows, and would host “At Home” on September 19.