Kalaburagi clamps down section 144 to fight coronavirus pandemic

KALABURAGI: The district administration in coronavirus-hit Kalaburagi has now clamped section 144 to restrict people’ gathering in view of checking further spread of the pandemic that is sending panic waves across the nation.
For now the section is invoked for three days starting from 8 pm today. The decision upon further continuation of the restriction or removal will be taken later assessing the situation.
Kalaburagi imposed the section as three persons tested positive including the India’ first infected deceased 76-year-old.The district besides suspending operations of all the private buses to and fro, has now barred movement of buses, both private and public transport to and fro Maharashtra, the state which has recorded highest number of positive cases. The ban will continue until further orders.
Deputy Commissioner (DC), Sharath B who is battling the virus originated from China holding a press briefing urged the people not to panic and not rush out to stockpile essential goods and consumables. He pointed that “essential services will not be effected and 144 was imposed with the sole purpose of curbing the outbreak to ensure safety of the people.”
DC said no gathering of people will be allowed for religious and non-religious purposes. Movement of people in groups and unnecessary movement will be treated as violation of the 144 order. Malls, theatres, schools, colleges, religious fairs, festive celebrations, hotels, lodges, exhibitions, sports, marathons and others will be shut except, grocery shops, medical outlets and hospitals.
Sharath has also put up a request to people who have travelled from abroad to voluntarily test at ESI hospital divulging information of travel history. “We have found that some people who were working or residing abroad have travelled to Kalaburagi after the outbreak from the effected countries and all are advised to visit ESI hospital for testing,” he informed. He also warned legal action against those who fail to arrive for testing
The administration has also set up check posts at all the taluk borders to run surveillance of people traveling from villages to city. He advised everybody to stay at home.
Divulging information on novel coronavirus situation in the district, DC said 641 persons have been home quarantined and 11 persons have been isolated at the hospital. A total of 22 samples dispatched for testing, of which 8 showed up negative, 3 positive cases and 2 samples not tested for technical reasons. The administration is now waiting for results of 9 samples. Two Containment Zone created one at Ward 30 and another area if where doctor who tested positive.
Raichur
The neighbouring district Raichur too invoked section 144(3) of the code of criminal procedure along with section 133. In Raichur 351 people are under home quarantine, while two samples tested negative. One more person with the symptoms has been admitted today at Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences hospital.