Shops selling essentials, medicines to remain open throughout 21-day lockdown: Govt

New Delhi, March 25

Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said there was no need for people to panic as shops selling essentials and medicines will remain open throughout the 21-day lockdown imposed to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

He also said there were sufficient legal provisions available to deal with black marketeers and hoarders.

He was referring to the lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Addressing the media about the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, he said the Centre and the state governments are working together to effectively implement the lockdown and ensure people do not suffer.

He described the cooperation between the Centre and the states as a fine example of cooperative federalism.

Responding to a question of some resident welfare associations asking doctors and even journalists either not to venture out or vacate their apartment, he said such an action was not appreciated.

He recalled that during ‘janata curfew’ on Sunday, people had clapped for those at the forefront of fighting the virus.

“The society should understand,” he said.

He said the Cabinet also discussed the coronavirus outbreak, but did not give details.

He said though social distancing in 21 days will end daily social activity of many, it was essential to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

Set up control room, helpline number: Centre to states 

The Centre has asked state governments to set up a round the clock control room with a helpline number at its headquarters and in each of its districts to ensure seamless availability of essential commodities during the 21-day lockdown enforced to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

The Union Home Ministry’s letter to chief secretaries of all states came in the wake of reports that those involved in distribution and delivery of essential commodities and services were facing difficulties due to the restriction of movement of people and police vigilance.

The ministry also said a dedicated helpline number should also be set up to help healthcare workers or others officials who are working in hospitals handling coronavirus cases as some of them are facing harassment by landlords, neighbours or locals.

In its letter, the Home Ministry said to ensure that these essential provisions are seamlessly available at ground level, it would be necessary for each state and UT to set-up a 24×7 Control Room or office with helplines (at state/district level) to address any grievance or undue problems faced by the providers of goods and services, including during inter-state movement.

The ministry said a nodal officer at the state may be appointed to coordinate with the district administration and police in this matter.

This is necessary to ensure continuity of supply chain for essential commodities, several of which may be perishable, the letter said.

It may also be necessary to lay down a Standard Operating Protocol for unhindered operation of essential services, establishments and commodities, including appointment of nodal officers at inter-state borders, issue of vehicular passes etc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown across India in a bid to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

After the announcement, the Home Ministry issued guidelines about the services and people exempted from the restrictions.

The guidelines listed several services, including government and private offices that will be out of bounds during the period, while exempting establishments such as hospitals, ration shops, dairies, banks, insurance offices, print and electronic media.

Delivery of all essential goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment through e-commerce has also been exempted from the purview of the lockdown, the guidelines said.

“In view of the above, it is accordingly requested to issue suitable directions to set-up a nodal control room or office with helplines in the state and appoint a nodal officer immediately. The details of such helpline number may be given wide publicity in the state and UT concerned,” the Home Ministry said.

There have been reports of several healthcare workers, doctors and aircrew facing harassment by landlords and neighbours who claimed that exposure to such environment can invite the disease and it may transmit to others. PTI