Patna (Bihar): Rattled by an unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases, the Bihar government imposed a 15-day lockdown that came into force today.
A government order issued on July 14 said restrictions between July 16 and July 31 will remain applicable to all district, sub-division and block headquarters and municipal areas. Government offices, private and commercial establishments, barring some exceptions, and places of religious worship and educational institutions will remain closed.
The announcement came as the state registered its worst increase in COVID-19 patients earlier this week.
Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi in a tweet blamed the recent spike on 'laxity in taking precautions at public places' and urged people to demonstrate a 'collective will' to break the infection chain during the coming phase of lockdown.
READ:| Fresh lockdown in several districts of Bihar from today
The state government order, which cited a Ministry of Home Affairs communication of June 29 for containment of the pandemic, also said the decision was taken in view of the 'alarming surge in COVID 19 cases...in last three weeks'.
The state's tally rose by more than two-fold during the period. Till date, the state has reported 20,612 positive cases, including 180 deaths.
Over 30 lakh migrants from different parts of the country have returned to Bihar and many of them have been found infected with the virus.
Two state ministers and several MLAs have also tested positive for the virus.
20 staffers at state governor Phagu Chauhan's residence also tested positive on Wednesday.
At BJP state headquarters in Patna, more than 20 people, including four senior office-bearers, have tested positive for COVID-19, its Bihar unit chief Sanjay Jaiswal said.
READ:| Bihar: 20 staffers at Governor house test positive for COVID-19
Reports in a section of the media here, however, stated that the number of people found infected was as high as 75.
Transport services 'will remain suspended' during the lockdown though ferrying of taxis and auto-rickshaws will be allowed. Industrial establishments will be allowed to function and construction activities will be permitted with strict adherence to social distancing norms and the wearing of masks.
Agricultural activities, along with shops relating to the same, will also be allowed to function.
Air and rail traffic will remain functional and transportation of goods, including loading and unloading at warehouses, 'will be allowed without any hindrance'.
Those plying their vehicles for commuting to and from their places of work will be required to carry their I-cards.
The order passed by a special secretary to the state government "supersedes all orders issued by district magistrates concerned in their respective area of jurisdiction" and the DMs "cannot dilute restrictions but, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain activities in areas outside containment zones".
Lockdowns have been in place in nearly a quarter of the states 38 districts, for the past few days, clamped by the local administrations.
Inputs from agency
