AP shuts down malls, theaters and worship places; special regulations for bars, restaurants

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Thursday, announced the temporary closure of malls, theaters and worship places including TTD and banned mass gathering. The direction comes in the wake of the CoronaVirus outbreak. The state, on March 19, confirmed its second positive case for COVID-19.

AP's minister for health, Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas (Nani) said, 'The Government has ordered the closing down of mass gathering including malls, cinema halls and places of worship that draw congregations besides educational institutions, till March 31. However, the rituals can continue in the holy places and the restriction does not apply to small temples, mosques, and churches.

He further added “In addition to these, bars and restaurants were told to maintain a distance of one meter between each table and for public transport officials were asked to avoid overloading and control standing passengers in buses. Social functions, lime marriages, can be postponed of held with minimum gathering.

The Andhra Pradesh health department has been monitoring returnees from COVID-19 affected countries, isolated wards have been set up. 'All those who came from foreign countries were asked to stay isolated in their respective homes. We are also ready to take action against those who flout the rules' the minister said.

Meanwhile, Special Chief Secretary to Chief Minister PV Ramesh said, a strict vigil has been kept over the foreign returnees with the village, ward volunteers, Asha workers and ANMs conducting door to door survey to identify people who have returned from foreign countries and people whom returnees have contacted to check their condition. The public was instructed to stay at home and take precautionary measures and not to panic. Through village volunteers, every house is being screened and creating awareness among the public'.

Helpline

Andhra Pradesh has set up the helpline to monitor CoronaVirus suspects cases being reported in the state. It includes a 24×7 control room (0866-2410978) and a 104 helplines (Toll-free number) for providing health advice on Covid-19.

Do’s and Don'ts pressed in by the AP government.

1. All foreign returnees are advised home isolation for 14 days and stay away from family members too.

2. The foreign returnees are advised to contact a doctor through 104 helplines for medical advice prior to visiting a hospital if symptoms like severe cough, high-grade temperature and shortness of breath are there.

3. The general public is advised not to come in contact with any of the close relatives returning from foreign countries.