Visakhapatnam to be under lockdown amid coronavirus outbreak

In a key decision taken on Sunday, the Central and State Governments have decided to lockdown 75 districts across the country where coronavirus cases or casualties have been reported. As per the list released, Andhra Pradesh will lockdown three districts- Visakhapatnam, Krishna, and Prakasam-up to 31 March. The decision was taken at a high-level video conference attended by Chief Secretaries of all states and the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. As part of the lockdown in Visakhapatnam and other districts, only essential services will be functional for the citizens.

Speaking at a press meeting on Sunday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister stated that the state has reported six positive cases of coronavirus so far, with one patient being discharged. He further noted that the situation in Andhra Pradesh is currently better as compared to that in other states. Mentioning that isolation and social distancing are critical practices in fighting coronavirus, Mr. Reddy said that people should restrict their movement. Informing that the state will be confining its borders, the CM said that public transport services will be completely canceled, unless in emergency situations. He further requested foreign returnees to remain under strict quarantine.

“In a bid to overcome the current health crisis, we are moving towards a complete lockdown. I request everyone to stay at home until 31 March. The employees of the State Government will also be working on shift-basis. To contain the spread, I request the citizens not to congregate in sums of more than ten. We will be issuing prohibitory orders in this regard. Essential services like food, water, milk, meat, electricity, telecom, food delivery, and other essential services will be available. I also warn of extremely strict action against sellers who hike prices to cash in the situation,” the Chief Minister said.

“There’s no need to panic. The recovery rate in cases of coronavirus is high. However, at the same time, fears will arise if we don’t follow the prescribed precautions,” he further added.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister held a meeting with top officials in the state to review the measures being taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Visakhapatnam reported its first positive case of coronavirus on Thursday (19 March) when a 65-year-old man, who had returned from Saudi Arabia tested positive for the virus. The patient was admitted to the Chest hospital, where he is currently kept under close watch. In the wake of the incident, the authorities upped the precautionary measures across the district.

It may be noted that several State Governments have already moved close to complete lockdown in a bid to combat the rapidly spreading coronavirus. Deemed as one of India’s key strategies to ensure social distancing, the Janata Curfew, which was called upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been receiving an overwhelming response countrywide.