Section 144 imposed in Vizag city, all social gatherings prohibited

By Newsmeter Network  Published on  23 March 2020 5:27 AM GMT
Section 144 imposed in Vizag city, all social gatherings prohibited

Visakhapatnam: Police on Monday imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Vizag city given the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Section 144 of CrPC prohibits assembly of four or more people at a one place.

The order issued by Vizag Police Commissioner RK Meena came into effect from 10 am on March 23 and would remain in force till March 31.

Police said that it has become necessary to take all required precautionary measures to mitigate the possible detrimental effects of the spread of COVID-19 for public health, public safety, and public order.

“Therefore, in exercise of the power conferred upon me, Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in the city”, said Meena.

Vizag city has reported two positive cases of coronavirus, including one of those transmitted locally.

A senior police officer said all kinds of demonstrations, processions, and protests are prohibited. Any gathering including social, cultural, political, religious, academic, sports, seminar, and conferences are prohibited.

As per the guidelines, except vegetable markets, fruits markets and essential commodities shops, everything shall remain shut.

“Any individual suspected or confirmed with COVID-19 shall take measures for prevention or treatment. It includes home quarantine, institution quarantine, and isolation. Any such person shall cooperate to render assistance or comply with the directions of the surveillance personnel”, said Vizag District Collector V Vinay Chand.

Any person contravening prohibitory orders shall be punishable under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC, he added.

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