UP under lockdown till March 27

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced a total lockdown in Uttar Pradesh till Friday. Till now, 17 districts have been put under lockdown since Sunday evening.

Adityanath said that if the people did not respond to lockdown, the respective district magistrate would be allowed to impose curfew in their areas.

He said that all borders of the state were being sealed and no movement would be allowed between districts. All public transport would be off road.

He said that all workers in establishments -- government and private -- would be paid salaries during the lockdown period.

Interacting with traders through video conferencing, the chief minister said that reports of hoarding would be severely dealt with and all essential commodities should readily be available.

"We will ensure that all medicines are easily available to the people," he said.

Reiterating his commitment to defeat the corona pandemic, the chief minister appealed to the people to follow safety protocols.

Meanwhile an advisory issued by the state government said that shops selling vegetables, fruits, milk and other essential commodities would remain open but not more than two people should stand together.

The advisory banned the use of private vehicles and in case of emergency, the permission of the additional district magistrate would be needed to move out. Entry into districts would be allowed only after permission and medical screening.

The advisory also said that on two-wheelers, only one person would be allowed and two passengers would be allowed in a four-wheeler.

The chief minister also said that a blueprint had been prepared to acquire private medical facilities if the need arose.

A 200-bed isolation centre was being set up at the King George's Medical University and similar wards would be set up in all 51 medical colleges in the state.

The chief minister also said that masks should be worn only by people who need it or are working in emergency services. IANS