Covid-19 threat: Lockdown in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula till March 31

A single person from a family can come out for daily needs; essential services, including grocery and daily needs shops, chemists, hospitals, banks, petrol pumps, gas agencies and food delivery services, and media exempted from the order

The tricity – Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula — will be under lockdown from March 23 to 31.

Starting now, all non-essential establishments including offices, schools, colleges, factories and other business set-ups will remain closed. (RAVI KUMAR/HT)

Putting in place strict measures of isolation and social distancing to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the UT administration and the Punjab and Haryana governments on Sunday issued the lockdown orders till March 31.

All shops, commercial establishments, offices and factories, workshops, godowns, etc., have been directed to remain closed. All public transport services, including taxis and auto-richshaws, will also remain suspended.

However, essential services, including hospitals, chemists, vegetable and grocery shops, will remain open.

In Chandigarh and Panchkula, the administration has prohibited any gathering of more than five persons in public places. In Mohali, the limit is 10.

The deputy commissioners of all three cities have advised residents to strictly adhere to the directives.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nilambari Jagadale said, “Every vehicle entering the city will be screened by the police. Only vehicles of people working in the essential services will be allowed, while others will be asked to return. If a commuter has an extreme emergency, they will also be allowed through.”

DECISION AFTER MEETING WITH CABINET SECRETARY

UT administrator VPS Badnore issued the lockdown order after senior UT officials, including UT adviser Manoj Kumar Parida, held a meeting with the Cabinet secretary through video conferencing at the UT secretariat in Sector 9 earlier in the day. In the meeting, the Cabinet secretary advised for lockdown in every district with positive coronavirus cases.

Mohali deputy commissioner Girish Dayalan issued orders in pursuance of the Punjab government directions for a statewide lockdown till March 31.

“Only one person can travel in a private vehicle, while others are advised to stay at home. Any violation will invite strict action,” Dayalan said.

Chandigarh deputy commissioner (DC) Mandip Singh Brar said, “All movement of private vehicles within the tricity will be governed by the lockdown orders issued on Sunday.”

Panchkula DC Mukesh Kumar Ahuja said, “As per the orders issued by the Haryana government, only essential services will continue to operate in the district. There will be a ban on the gathering of five or more persons in public places. All people coming from abroad have been quarantined in their homes and people are being instructed to stay in doors. The Panchkula police will ensure enforcement.”

GUIDELINES FOR TRAVELLERS

All foreign returnees (who landed in India on or after March 9) have to adhere to strict home quarantine. It is mandatory for all such travellers to contact the district administration and register themselves for home quarantine, failing which they will be liable for legal action.

Also, people who have come in contact with these travellers must observe home quarantine for 14 days.

PERMISSIONS IN MOHALI

For production and manufacturing units, which require continuous process and other private establishments that support essential services or are needed to function in public interest, should apply to the deputy commissioner’s office via email “dc.mhl@punjab.gov.in” for permission to continue operations.