Centre asks states to ensure total lockdown

The central government has directed all states across India to ensure the enforcement of total lockdown in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also issued directions to take strict action against anyone who violates the rules of lockdown.

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Monday has asked all the states to enforce total lockdown 'and if necessary take actions against anybody violating lockdown rules'.

Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla had a video conferencing with Home Secretary and DGPs of all states on Monday afternoon and took stock of the situation.

"All the states have been asked to take strong actions against people violating lockdown rules," said Puniya Salila Srivastava, a senior official from the Home Ministry.

Meanwhile, a total lockdown has been ordered in 19 states across India, including Arunchal Pradesh and Tripura.

The other states that came under full lockdown are Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh, Goa, J&K, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Ladakh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Hamachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.

The Centre, on Sunday, imposed lockdown in 75 districts from 22 states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, Puducherry.

As per an official report, as many as 433 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported from across India with 7 deaths. 24 people have also been discharged from hospitals after treatment.

"The lockdown that started from today is an extension of Janta Curfew that was observed on Sunday. This lockdown that will continue till March 31 is likely to break the chain of transmission for COVID-19," said Luv Agarwal, joint secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"All the states have been asked to augment their health care facilities. They have been asked to dedicate hospitals to treat the virus-infected patients," said Agarwal.

Talking to the reporters, Dr Balram Bhargava, director general of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that 12 private laboratories have been registered till Monday.

"These private laboratories with their chain located in different locations have 15,000 collection centres. And this would help us in testing process," said Bhargava.

Approval has been given to two private kit manufacturers also, said Bhargava.

He said that it's better for people to prefer online shopping over going out.

Meanwhile, the national task force for COVID-19 constituted by ICMR recommends the use of hydroxy-chloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 infection for high risk population.

"Hydroxy-chloroquine as prophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2 can be used only for health care workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19," said Dr Bhargava.

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