Lockdown imposed in Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh

Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh governments have taken the decision to impose lockdown amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of the pandemic.

Rajasthan government has imposed 'lockdown-like' strict restrictions for 15 days with effect from April 19. The 'Jan Anushashan Pakhwada' (public discipline fortnight) came into effect from 5 am on April 19 till 5 am on May 3.

All workplaces, businesses and markets, including general activities, will be restricted and only essential services will be allowed. Vegetable and fruit vendors will be allowed to sell till seven in the evening. All educational and coaching institutions will be shut till April 30. Cinema halls, multiplexes and amusement parks will be closed.

Government officials, people going to and coming from airports, bus stands, railway stations, metro stations will be allowed for movement. Media will be allowed with ID. Only 50 people will be allowed at private functions, marriages and other social gatherings, and 20 people at funerals.

Those entering Rajasthan will have to show a negative RT-PCR report issued 72 hours prior to the travel.

The Jharkhand government on April 20 announced 7-day lockdown from April 22 to April 29 with few exemptions. The said period will be observed as 'Health Safety Week'.

Essential services have been allowed while religious places will also remain open but with a fixed number of devotees. Mining, agricultural and construction activities have also been permitted. All government and private offices will continue to function.

The details of the lockdown in Jharkhand are to issued later.

In Chhattisgarh, all 28 districts have been put under lockdown. Restrictions have been imposed in all districts till different dates. A fresh order has been issued regarding Sukma district. Instructions for complete ban have been issued here from 6 pm on 20 April to 7 am on 1 May. However, during this period medical and other urgent services will be kept operational.

Earlier, lockdowns had been announced in different districts on different dates. Meanwhile, the lockdown period has been extended in all the districts of the state.

All the three states too, like other parts of the country, are witnessing a spike in cases amid a virulent second wave of COVID-19 sweeping the nation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked states to ramp up testing, lab infrastructure, strict enforcement of COVID-appropriate behaviour.

Source: livemint.com, timesofindia.com, news18.com, ndtv.com

Written by Siddhant Sharma