Coronavirus Outbreak: How are states preparing for tomorrow's Janata Curfew?
To reduce transmission of coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indians should follow the Janata Curfew on Sunday, March 22, between 7 am and 9 pm. He said this "for the people and by the people" restriction, will help defeat COVID-19, which has claimed over 11,000 lives worldwide. He also urged states to participate. Here's taking a look at how states have prepared themselves.
Why is it important to remain indoors?
The deadly virus, that originated in China, is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. India is currently at Stage II of the pandemic. For Stage III or community transmission to not start (this is debatable, though), residents should stay indoors, and take precautions. It was because community transmission started that Italy, Spain, and France, had to announce sweeping lockdown.
Delhi Metro will be suspended; Maharashtra to deploy state machinery
Since India has a multi-party system, bringing everyone on board is a mammoth task, but fortunately, states have promised to implement the curfew diligently. In Maharashtra, the state machinery will be tasked with checking that everyone follows the rules. Though BEST buses will function, metro services on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar route will be suspended. In Delhi, the metro will not be functional.
Bus services will remain suspended in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, announced that state bus services will remain suspended. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited will also not function. In Bihar, while the government hopes that people will adhere to rules organically, cops will be deployed at important places. In neighboring Jharkhand, the state government has given no instructions relating to the curfew.
Karnataka has shut sit-down restaurants
Bus services will be suspended or scaled-down in BJP-ruled Gujarat. The Chambers of commerce have also announced their support for the cause. Similarly, in Karnataka, where one person died of the virus, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited will remain suspended. All bars and sit-down restaurants will be shut. Liquor shops across the state will remain closed from Saturday night to Monday morning.
Haryana roadways buses will not run tomorrow
Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, asked people to follow the curfew. And Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma informed that roadways buses will be off roads. As far as Northeastern states like Assam and Manipur, are concerned, CMs have asked people to stay indoors. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the curfew will not be forced, but urged elderly and children to stay home.
Goa has taken a stringent approach
In Goa, the government has taken a stricter approach and will implement Section 144 of CrPC from midnight. The beaches will remain closed. "No weddings either...No festivities. People should take these advisories because ultimately it will harm their life," State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said.
