Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a tweet on Monday said that he isolated himself as a safety measure after two of his colleagues tested positive for COVID-19.

The Minister in his tweet said, "My fellow minister of the cabinet Mr Mithilesh Thakur ji and our party's MLA Mr Mathura Mahato ji have been found infected with coronavirus."

"Both are being treated in a government hospital. As a precaution, I will also be in self-isolation for the next few days from today. But I will continue to perform every important work," the Chief Minister tweeted in Hindi.

Mr Soren's samples are expected to be tested today, according to reports of news agency PTI.

The Chief Minister in his tweet said, "You are again urged to avoid going to crowded areas as much as possible. Make sure to use a mask, and if there is no mask, cover your face with a cloth. I would like to remind you to maintain social distancing but keep your hearts connected."

The Chief Minister wished a speedy recovery to the Water and Sanitation Minister and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA, the state government said in a statement.

Both Mr Thakur and Mr Mahato have been admitted to the COVID-19 ward of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, and their contacts are being traced, official said.

Thakur is the first minister in the cabinet of CM Heamant Soren to test positive for coronavirus.

Jharkhand has reported 3,018 COVID-19 cases till Tuesday night; 22 fatalities have been reported.