Team Herald
PANJIM: The day-long ‘Janta Curfew’ to fight COVID-19 may have been a success with people across the State responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to remain indoors, however Goans were in for a rude shock with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Sunday making a “vague” announcement that the curfew will continue till March 25.
The Chief Minister in a video message circulated called for shut-down for three more days saying this is essential.
“The curfew will continue for the next three days. I request support of every Goan as it is a matter of health of all citizens,” he said.
Sawant said all government departments will remain closed except essential services.
“Private companies and factories also need to be closed up to March 25 midnight,” he said.
Further, he said, the State has closed its borders today, railways have stopped and plane landings were restricted.
“So we have to self-quarantine,” he said adding that it is my endeavour to keep all Goans safe from this virus.
Collectors order total shutdown
Meanwhile, an order issued late in the evening by North Goa Collector R Menaka and South Collector Ajit Roy, said, “There is prevailing situation in the country due to the health emergency posed by the COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by Corona Virus. In order to contain the disease certain steps have to be taken. Further the health department has declared COVID-19 and H1N1 as notifiable disease. Hence, social distancing has to be maintained to prevent spread of the disease".
Further, the order reads, in view of this it is necessary to take exigent measures in this regards so as to prevent any danger to human life or safety, to thwart the spread of virus, which may affect the overall security of the State and may create disturbance of larger public order and tranquillity.
Further the order says there is sufficient grounds for proceeding under sub-section (I) of Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedures, 1973 for closure of all the government departments, state government industrial departments, private establishments – including factories and companies and any business trade, industrial undertakings or any other establishments, except essential services within North Goa district with effect from 00:00 hrs of 23/3/2020 (i.e. intervening midnight of March 22 and March 23 to 00.00 hrs of 26/3/2020 (i.e. intervening night of March 25 and March 26, 2020).
“In exercise of powers under sub-section (1) of Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, do hereby order for closure of the following in North Goa/ South Goa except essential services with effect from 00.00 hrs of 23/3/2020 (i.e. intervening midnight of March 22 and March 23 to 00.00 hrs of 26/3/2020 (i.e. intervening night of March 25 and March 26, 2020) all government departments, State government Industrial departments, Industries, Private establishments including factories and companies or any business trade, industrial undertakings or any other establishments, except essential services,” the order reads.
Any person contravening this order will be punishable under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code. The order come into force immediately, the Collector said.
Overwhelming response for ‘Janta Curfew’
Though Goa is yet to report its first COVID-19 case, the response received for the one-day voluntary curfew called by the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular, was overwhelming.
Barring a few stray incidents like a cop brutally bashing a two-wheeler rider for breaking the curfew etc, the voluntary curfew could be almost be said as 99% successful.
The South SP has initiated inquiry against PSI Tejas and has transferred him to reserve duties.
The high point of the curfew was at 5 pm when the police stations and the fire-brigade sounded the sirens, church bells pealed and the people and residents came out in their balconies to appreciate the work of the health workers, who are fighting day and night to keep the deadly coronavirus at bay, which has killed several thousand globally.
The virus has so far claimed seven lives in India and infected over 340.
“The people have responded well to the call given by the Prime Minister Narendra Modiji and the request of the State government. The ‘Janta Curfew’ was 100 p.c. successful,” Sawant said in a video message.
He urged people not to venture out even after 9 pm on Sunday and urged all to support the government.
“People must co-operate with police in this time of exigency. I also appreciate all medical professionals for their contribution to society in this testing time,” he said.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that the State is in the lockdown mode for next 3 days.
“The CM has announced lockdown for next three days and will take a call later on March 25 whether to extend it further. I understand people will be affected but because of people’s health you have to take some harsh decisions,” Rane said.
Rane said he was moved by the applause shown by the fellow Goans to health professionals.
“Everyone in my colony came out to cheer and applaud the health workers, doctors, nurses and other staff. People understand their contribution at this moment, he added.