Andhra shuts all places of mass gatherings

The Andhra Pradesh government here on Thursday decided to shut all places of mass gathering, like major places of worship, cinema halls, shopping malls, gyms, amusement parks and museums, to contain the spread of coronavirus.

On Wednesday, it had announced closure of all educational institutions.

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy after a high-level meeting urged people not to panic and take precautionary measures.

After the meeting, Minister for Health Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas (Nani) said no meetings, rallies and protests would be permitted in the state. People have been urged to postpones marriages, and if that was not possible limit the number of guests.

"Bars and restaurants have been asked to maintain a distance of one metre between each table, and public transport officials been asked to avoid overloading and control standing passengers in buses," he said.

The Minister said the government had taken all required steps and keeping strict vigil on people returning from abroad. Foreign returnees been asked to stay isolated in their homes. Violaters of rules would face action, he added.

Meanwhile, P.V. Ramesh, Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, said only two cases had tested positive for coronavirus in the state.

Ward volunteers, Asha workers and ANMs are conducting door to door survey to identify people who have returned from foreign countries and people whom returnees have contacted to check their condition.

Around 12,500 foreign returnees have been identified from the 1.34 crore households and put under house isolation. The deployed staff is responsible to inspect and make sure the returnees are in self-isolation at their residences.

As on date, 883 passengers have been identified for observation. Of this, 607 are in isolation and 254 have completed 28-day isolation. Also, 22 others are under hospital observation. IANS