Jharkhand announces immediate lockdown till March 31

RANCHI: Jharkhand government on Sunday announced complete and immediate lockdown of the state till March 31 to fight the novel coronavirus threat. A notification in this regard was issued after chief minister Hemant Soren held a review meeting on ways to fight the deadly virus and minutes after the ‘janata curfew’ ended. So far, the state has no positive case of the virus but 40 samples have been sent for test.
The notification issued under the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1987 and Jharkhand State Epidemic Diseases (Covid-19) Regulations 2020 by principal secretary (health, medical education and family welfare) Nitin Madan Kulkarni at 9.30pm said all government offices (except essential services) private offices, establishments, factories, godowns and weekly markets will be closed.
Under the order which comes into immediate effect, all forms of public transport, including taxis, autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and buses, are barred from plying during the lockdown period. However, all transportations to hospitals will be exempted, it said.
The order said police, health, fire and prison services, ration shops, electricity, water supply and services under various urban local bodies will function normally. Telecommunication, internet and postal services along with social media have been exempted from the lockdown. “Transportation of food items, medical equipment and drugs, e-commerce, grocery items, milk, bread, fruit and vegetables and home deliveries from takeaway eateries will remain open,” the order said.
Hospitals, drug stores, optical stores and all medicine manufacturing units have also been exempted. Other exemptions include selling, transportation and storage of petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG. The order has also banned gathering of five or more persons at all public places. To prevent gatherings, the notification ordered closure of all places of worship and construction sites. Foreigners and residents from different parts of the country will be put under quarantine under protocols set by the health department. “All denizens are advised to stay at their homes and avoid public gatherings while venturing out to buy their basic essentials,” it read.
“Private organizations, which are working to prevent the spread of Covid-19, shall remain open and comply with the stringent guidelines laid down,” the order read. Deputy commissioners, SPs and other district administrative officials have been directed to enforce the lockdown.