Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Mar 24: Udupi deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha has asked residents of the district to strictly adhere to directions issued by the state government to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

Addressing a press conference at his office on Tuesday, the DC said Udupi will be on a lockdown till midnight of April 1. He warned stern legal action against those who violate rules.

“Paid leave should be granted to workers. The government will take action against the employers if workers are sacked,” he said.

He asked people who have arrived from foreign countries to exercise caution. “Many who have arrived from foreign destinations have carried the disease. As many as 900 families who have history of travelling to foreign countries or have members who have arrived from foreign nations are subjected to home quarantine. Notices are pasted outside their houses. The district administration is providing basic necessities to them. Police are on rounds and health department officials will inspect various locations.”

“Private hospitals, clinics and vegetable shops should not be closed. Inform the department if Coronavirus is detected after screening. Strict legal action will be taken if religious gatherings are held or defiance is shown. We will not stop arrival of goods from outside the district or state. Strict action will be taken if vegetable prices are increased,” he said.

“Around 150 beds are arranged in SDM hospital. Patients in isolation are being treated in SDM hospital. Udupi district hospital is called COVID-19 hospital after Corona positive case was detected. We have requested for 100 beds in Manipal. Necessary arrangement is made in new library for emergency purposes,” said DC G Jagadeesha.

“The DC has asked people to telephone district administration toll free number 1077 and police control room 100, if they find people under mandatory home quarantine or people who show symptoms of COVID-19 outside their homes. Violations will attract strict action,” he warned.

“Grocery items will be available in the district. Unnecessary loitering around on the roads is banned. People can come out only to buy items. Action will be taken against those who hoard and create artificial scarcity of essential items and sell items at high prices. The health of vehicle drivers who bring grocery and vegetables to the district will be examined before letting them in. Traders should follow safety regulations and communicate with drivers with at least a distance of six feet. Only parcels can be carried from restaurants. Customers are not allowed to eat in the restaurants. Cases will be slapped against customers and restaurant owners in case of violations,” he warned.

“The business of few shops, commercial organisations and industries is suspended. The concerned employers should provide leave with salary to the workers and should not remove them from work. Department officials and staff need not come to work unless for essential service. However, the workers should be available at the centre and should be present during emergency situations,” he said.

“Only the boats which have left from Malpe fisheries port are returning. New boats should not go into the sea. The fuel subsidy to the boats is suspended. Today is the last day for activities in Malpe port. The government orders should be followed,” he said.

District SP Vishnuvardhan said that people should not get into unnecessary arguments with police during the period. “Follow the directions of the government as those are meant to maintain your health. Strict legal action will be taken against those who violate the rules. Action under sections 269, 270 and IPC section 188 will be taken against those who unnecessarily roam about,” he said.

District panchayat chief executive Preeti Geylot, additional deputy commissioner Sadashiva Prabhu, Kundapur sub divisional officer Raju, DHO Dr Sudhir Chandra Sooda, district surgeon Dr Madhusudhan Nayak were present.