Erode villages go for self-imposed lockdown to break Covid chain

ERODE: Villagers of Olalakkoil panchayat near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district have self-imposed lockdown restrictions to bring down Covid-19 cases in their villages.
Villagers from Chinnachettiyapalayam, Nallakattipalayam and Malayapalayam have decided not to open shops till the cases are reduced.
“We convened a meeting on Monday with the village heads from the three villages and all political party functionaries,” S Govindan, one of the villagers, said.
He said that they had decided to start a complete lockdown from Wednesday until the cases are reduced to zero.
According to the villagers, at least 200 people from these villages tested positive every day for the infection and most of them were admitted to the government and private hospitals for treatment.
“Most of the villagers are weavers and farmers and they’re struggling to recover from the infection,” Govindan said.
The self-imposed lockdown was brought as many villagers didn’t follow Covid-19 protocols such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.
“We have decided to close all the shops including factories and companies,” V Suresh, another villager, said.
During this complete lockdown, medical shops, vegetable shops, petrol bunks and milk parlours will be functioning till noon and the rest will remain closed until further orders.
“We will take severe action with the help of government officials if anyone violates our decision,” he said.
Pamphlets were circulated to villagers requesting them to extend their support to bring down the number of Covid-19 cases in their villages.