Only essential services to operate in districts with confirmed COVID-19 cases

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : State Governments will issue orders allowing only essential services to operate in districts with confirmed COVID-19 cases. The focus will be on closure of all activities except essential services such as hospitals, telecom, medicine shops, provision stores etc. All train services suspended till March 31,2020, including sub urban rail services. All metro rail services have also been suspended till March 31,2020.Interstate passenger transport also suspended till March 31. Transport services may operate at mere skeletal level.

Union Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister reviewed the status, actions taken, and preparedness regarding management and containment of COVID-19 at a high level with Chief Secretaries of States through a video conference, here on March 22, 2020. The increase in the number of confirmed cases during the last few days was discussed.  The Central Government also impressed upon the States the need for urgent and effective interventions.

Establishments/factories engaged in manufacturing and distribution of essential commodities like medicine, vaccine, sanitisers, masks, medical devices, their ancillaries and support services etc., will remain exempted from these restrictions.

States were also requested to ensure that while such measures are being taken, necessary steps to minimise discomfort to the poor and disadvantaged sections of the society may be ensured. States will request industries, establishments etc., to allow their employees to work from home and provide remuneration to them during this period. Central Government has already asked Labour Ministry and Ministry of Corporate Affairs to issue necessary instructions to this effect.