India’s Unlock 2 limited, several states lock down
However, even as Unlock 2 comes into effect, some states are shutting down again and pan-india opening up also seen limited; Kejriwal announces first-ever plasma bank for treatment of virus patients
India’ Unlock 1 ends on Tuesday midnight and the Centre is not inclined to reimpose another lockdown in the name of COVID-19, as the prime minister himself said.
However, even as Unlock 2 comes into effect, some states are shutting down again and the pan-india opening up is also seen limited.
Maharashtra, Bengal and Jharkhand have announced a lockdown extension.
As per the guidelines, unrestricted movement will be allowed for those going to offices or medical emergencies.
But all private offices are allowed to operate with up to 10 per cent strength only, and government offices with up to 15 per cent.
Among other states, West Bengal and Jharkhand have also extended the lockdown till July 31.
In Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday announced the extension of the lockdown by another 15 days from July 1.
In the south, Tamil Nadu is seen lifting a total lockdown is six districts, while Telangana is considering an extension. Karnataka has imposed lockdown in select cities.
Delhi has ruled out a new clampdown. The authorities are implementing a revised strategy after a major surge in cases, under which every house will be screened by July 6.
Every house in the containment zones will be screened by June 30.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced the first-ever plasma bank for treatment of coronavirus patients in the national capital, after receiving positive results on multiple clinical trials.
In Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday launched Project Platina, which the state claims is the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial cum project in treatment of severe COVID-19 patients.
The Centre hasn’t announced any major leap of activity, except hinting that international flights could resume by mid-july. Rail traffic continues to remain limited.
Meanwhile, the Congress on Monday attacked the central government over the daily increases in the prices of petrol and diesel for over three weeks, saying that the government was “fleecing” the people in this manner.
The opposition party also said that people from different sections of society and those rendered jobless were struggling to survive the economic ruin unleashed by the anti-people policies of the Modi government.
“The Bjp-led government is fleecing people by not just increasing fuel prices but also refusing to share with the people the benefits of lower crude oil prices globally, so as to reduce their burden,” Congress spokesperson Khushbu Sundar said at a press conference here.
MEDICAL PANEL: The six districts of Tamil Nadu, currently under a total lockdown, may not have an extended one as it ends on Tuesday night.
A medical experts’ team that advises Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami said on Monday that they have not recommended an extension though the number of cases are rising.
Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Madurai and Theni are under total lockdown now.
Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur, former deputy director,
Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Epidemiology, said spreading of the infection has come under control in Chennai due to the existing lockdown.
“Lockdown alone cannot be the solution to control the spread of virus. The committee felt that the focus should be to reduce the death rate.
“This can be done by early detection of any symptom and increased testing.
“We told the government that the infection increased due to public transportation,” she said.
Kaur said the committee has recommended an increase in control measures in containment zones. “We are planning to implement one treatment method across the state.”
The panel also asked the government to increase test and detection in other districts as well. “People who develop symptoms should come forward and get themselves tested.
“Extending lockdown is like trying to kill a mosquito with an axe, it won’t work out after a time.” People should maintain social distancing and wear masks at all time.