Ranchi, March 16 (IANS): Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday announced in the state Assembly that schools, colleges, coaching centres, shopping malls and cinema halls would remain closed till April 14 in the state in the wake of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in the country.

"Educational institutions, hostels, cinema halls, malls, swimming pools, museums and the zoo will remain closed from March 17 to April 14," Soren said in the Assembly after holding a review meeting with the concerned officials.

The state government has also stopped the "Sarkar Aapke Dwar" programme.

"Directives have been issued to set up isolation wards at each medical college and district-level Sadar hospital. Testing labs will be set in government hospitals only. The medical staff will be provided training to deal with the situation," the Chief Minister said.

Soren also said that the Deputy Commissioner of each district has been given the power to test any person suspected to be infected with cornoavirus. If the suspect doesn't cooperate, action could be taken against him/her.

The Chief Minister also announced that Rs 200 crore would be released for medical equipment and facilities.

Common people are barred from entering the state Assembly till the Budget Session ends.