Himachal comes under indefinite lockdown

Shimla, March 23 (IANS) A day after putting the state’s most populous Kangra district under lockdown, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday informed the assembly of extending the shutdown in the entire state.

However, only essential services will be allowed in the backdrop of spread of two COVID-19 cases in Kangra district.

The entire state was placed under lockdown till further orders, Thakur said in the Assembly, whose ongoing Budget session was curtailed till Monday.

As per lockdown order, all public transport and private vehicles will be suspended even within the state, except in emergency cases.

However, carriage vehicles carrying essential items like milk, uncooked food and groceries will be allowed.

In addition to electricity, water and municipal services, banks and ATMs, all other establishments dealing with daily needs will remain open, a government spokesperson told IANS. Also hospitals, chemists and optical stores will remain operational.

The shops and business establishments allowed to work have been asked to ensure social distancing within and outside their premises.

All the people who returned from abroad on or after March 9 must observe strict home quarantine. For them, it is mandatory to report to the nearby surveillance officer, falling which they will be liable for action.

The Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the restrictions.

The Chief Minister has appealed to all residents to observe all health safeguards and to avoid leaving their homes unless there is an acute emergency.

–IANS

vg/rt