COVID19 Outbreak: India announces lockdown in 75 coronavirus-hit districts

So far, six people have died due to COVID 19 in the country.

A high-level meeting was held today morning with Chief Secretaries of all the States by the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, officials said.

All the Chief Secretaries informed that there is overwhelming and spontaneous response to the call for Janta Curfew given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

"In view of the need to contain the spread of COVID 19, it was agreed that there is urgent need to extend the restrictions on the movement of non-essential passenger transport including inter-state transport buses till 31st March 2020," read the statement.

"Following detailed discussions, the State Governments were advised to issue appropriate orders to allow only essential services to operate in the 75 districts which have reported confirmed cases or casualties relating to COVID 19.  The State Governments may expand the list depending on their assessment of the situation.  It was noted that several State Governments have already issued orders in this regard," it said.

The following important decisions were taken:

·         All train services suspended till 31st March 2020 including sub-urban rail services.  However, goods trains are exempted.

·         All metro rail services suspended till 31st March 2020.  State Governments to issue orders allowing only essential services to operate in about 75 districts with confirmed COVID 19 cases.

·         Inter State passenger transport also to be suspended till 31st March 2020.

Images: Avishek Mitra and KS Dhatwalia Twitter page