Madhurima
NEW DELHI: Numerous cities and states have inflicted a near-total lockdown locally today, i.e. 22 March 2020 as the number of coronavirus cases in the nation are increasing rapidly like wildfire. This lockdown has occurred even before the initiation of the first 'Janta Curfew' as appealed by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India on 19 March 2020.
As of now, there are currently 341 active cases of the novel coronavirus with 6 deaths, one in each of the states of Punjab, Delhi, Karnataka, Bihar and 2 in Maharashtra.
Also Read: Bihar Observes It's First Death Due To COVID-19 Outbreak
Rajasthan is the current state which imposed the lockdown. Other measures like shutting public transport, malls and shops were also initiated by the state, as per Chief Minister of the state, Ashok Gehlot. Even though the state is under lockdown, Gehlot mentioned that basic services will still be implemented. The state is also distributing food packets to poverty-stricken families.
The CM said, "Essential services will function under this lockdown, but all state and private offices, malls, shops, factories and public transport will be closed. To cope with this global epidemic, it is very important for people to stay in their homes."
Maharastra state has the most number of ongoing cases, totalling up to 63. This includes 3 foreigners. The state has imposed a shutdown on a sectoral basis in cities of Thane, Pune, Mumbai and Nagpur. District administration of Akola has ordered this shut down to take place from 22 March to 24 March. Shops are also to remain closed this time except for the ones selling essential resources.
In West Bengal, CM Mamta Banerjee appealed to shut down all major public places like amusement parks, malls, clubs, restaurants, bars and museums till 31 march 2020. The state has also imposed strict measures to stop the public from gathering somewhere in great number. West Bengal has reported 6 cases of the pandemic.
Naveen Patnaik, the CM Of Odisha through a video message to the public announced a lockdown in Bhubaneshwar and other major industrial cities which comprised up to 40% of the state. The initiated lockdown is a week long.
Karnataka has also announced a lockdown on a partial level from Sunday to the end of this Monday. The state has freshly reported 2 more cases on Saturday night, making the total up to 14. CM BS Yediyurappa organised a cabinet meeting before announcing the shutdown. A task force has also been developed by the state so that the spread of the virus can be observed more clearly. An amount of Rs. 200 core will also be spent on facilities like isolation wards.
Apart from Karnataka, other southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have also shut down educational institutions like schools, colleges and other public places like malls.
As far as Uttar Pradesh is concerned, there are 26 confirmed cases in the state. A virtual lockdown has been implemented in the cities of Kanpur and Lucknow as Kanika Kapoor tested positive for the virus.
Gujarat government has also passed on strict instructions to shut down shops which don't sell basic goods which are required for self-quarantine. The shops will remain closed until 25 March. Government offices will run on half-strength on an alternate basis till 29 March. Vijay Rupani, the CM has announced cities like Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat will be under lockdown as 14 cases have been reported in the state by now.
Two positive cases were reported from Bihar, out of which one has died and raised India's deal toll to 6. Nitish Kumar's government has ordered to shut down bus services, banquet halls and restaurants all over the state. This had been initiated until March 31.
Also Read: Railway Services For Passenger And Express Trains Banned Till 31st March
In order to avoid, large gatherings the Goa government has initiated section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) over the entire state. Vishwajeet Rane, the Health Minister also said that the government has already issued an order to also put a stop to inter-state transport as goa shares borders with Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal also announced effective measures to fight off the virus, like reducing the number of buses on the road, shutting down multiplexes and also organised his very first digital press conference. He also said that his government is considering to lock down the entire capital in the near future if the situations get worse.
