Complete lockdown on Sat, Sun in 4 districts of U’khand

DEHRADUN, 17 Jul: Uttarakhand Government has announced a total lockdown for two days, i.e., on Saturdays and Sundays every week in four districts of the state in view of the rising number of Corona positive cases. These districts are Dehradun, Haridwar, US Nagar and Nainital which have larger number of Corona cases.  These orders had been issued by Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh.

As per the orders, there would be total lockdown in these four districts on Saturdays and Sundays but essential services like industrial production, agriculture, construction work, sale of essential items such as groceries, medicines, dairy and even sale of liquor would remain operational. Movement of vehicles for general public would also remain restricted but people and vehicles associated with essential services would be permitted.

In addition, all inbound passengers irrespective of mode of travel would have to register themselves on the portal http://smartcisydehradun.uk.gov.in prior to their travel. Total number of inbound persons from other states has been restricted to 1500 per day in the state. Those with Covid Negative test report within 72 hours of travel would be exempted from quarantine.

Speaking informally with the media persons, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat had in the day claimed that the lockdown was announced with the objective of breaking the chain of spread. He also added that the government was fully prepared to deal with the emerging situation in respect of Corona pandemic.

He had also denied that there was any plan to enforce total lockdown every week for two days. Though the orders issued later this evening appeared to be applicable every week and only in four districts and not in entire state as had been indicated by the CM in the day.  Denying such rumours which were viral on social media, Rawat said that the lockdown was for this week only and any further lockdown would totally depend on the situation. The government would continue to review and monitor the situation. The CM also rejected the rumours that there was any plan to order lockdown till 31 July.

He however added that depending on the developing situation, the government could go for sealing the borders of the state. The CM also added that most shopkeepers were also of the opinion that they would open shops for five days in a week.