Lockdown in Patna from Friday; here's what will remain closed
In light of the rising number of coronavirus cases in Bihar's Patna, the district administration has decided to impose a week-long lockdown starting Thursday. District Magistrate Kumar Ravi took note of the "alarming surge" in COVID-19 cases in Patna district in the past three weeks. As of Tuesday, the district had reported 1,351 cases including 12 deaths. Here are more details.
Government offices and public corporations to remain shut
According to the DM's order, the lockdown will be imposed from July 10-16. Government offices and public corporations will remain shut with the exception of defense, disaster management, power generation and transmission units, post offices, etc. Offices of the police, fire and emergency services, electricity, water, sanitation, etc., are also exempt. However, the permitted offices must function with a minimum number of employees.
Grocery shops allowed; places of worship to remain closed
Commercial and private establishments will remain shut. However, shops selling food and groceries (including ration shops) are allowed. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, and meat/fish can only remain open from 6 am-10 am and 4 pm-7 pm. "Authorities will encourage and facilitate home delivery," the order added. All places of worship will remain closed and religious congregations are prohibited.
Here's what else is allowed
Hospitals and all related medical establishments will continue to operate, both in the public and the private sector. Banks, insurance offices, and ATMs will function. Delivery of all kinds of goods through e-commerce, petrol pumps, hospitality services, cold storage and warehousing services, print and electronic media, telecommunications, internet services, warehousing services, private security services, will be allowed.
'District administration convinced lockdown is inevitable'
The order stated, "There is an alarming surge in COVID-19 positive cases in the district of Patna in the last three weeks wherein the positivity rate has also been considerably high." It added, "The district administration has examined the matter in detail and is convinced that the requirement for a lockdown in following manner throughout the district is inevitable and urgent..."
Bihar reports over 13,274 cases, 100 deaths
Till Wednesday, Bihar had reported a total of 13,274 COVID-19 cases, including 100 deaths and 9,541 recoveries. In Patna district alone, 1,351 cases have been reported, out of which, 698 are active cases while 12 patients have died. The district is the worst-hit in Bihar. Overall, India has reported 7,42,417 cases, including 20,642 deaths. 4,56,830 patients have recovered.
