Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday announced total lockdown of Telangana State till March 31 as part of precautionary measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the State.
Addressing a press conference at Pragathi Bhavan, the Chief Minister said that so far 26 cases of Coronavirus have surfaced in Telangana, including five cases reported on Sunday. However, he said that threat of emergence of new cases has minimised due to ban on international flights.
He said those with recent travel history were being identified and quarantined. Therefore, he said lockdown for a further period of one week could control the spread of Coronavirus. Appreciating the cooperation extended by the people for the success of ‘Janata Curfew’, he appealed to them to extend similar cooperation and discipline for the lockdown till March 31. He appealed the people to stay at home to prevent themselves from the Coronavirus.
The Chief Minister said all shops and establishments, educational institutions and government offices would remain close during the lockdown period. However, he said 20% of government employees would work on rotation basis.
He said essential services like milk, gas, vegetables, medicines, etc., have been exempted while all public and private transport would remain closed.
He said only person from the family would be permitted to buy the essential goods. He said nearly 87 lakh White Ration card holders would be supplied 12 kgs of rice and Rs. 1500 cash in the next few days. He appealed to the private sector not to deduct salaries of their employees for the lockdown period.
KCR said that all inter-State borders of Telangana have been closed although vehicles carrying food items for the State would be allowed. He also announced that all wine shops, bards and pubs would also remain closed. (INN)