All of Himachal put on lockdown till further orders, says CM Thakur

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 23

Himachal Pradesh will be on complete lockdown till further orders. 

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur announced this in the state Assembly on Monday.

This leads to halting of inter-state and intra-state public and private transport, air flights and trains barring essential services.

Thakur said there was no cause for panic and this is being done as a precautionary measure.

The government had ordered lockdown of Kangra district on Sunday where two positive cases of coronavirus had been reported. They are undergoing treatment at Tanda Medical College in Kangra.  

The Chief Minister has announced a package of Rs 500 crore to ensure that 1.50 lakh daily wage workers get wages and pensioners three-month pension in advance in view of lockdown.

Also people will be given two months subsidised ration at fair price shops under PDS.

The Assembly met on Monday after a weeklong break and will be adjourned sine die after passing of the budget.

All ministers, legislators, bureaucrats and Vidhan Sabha staff were seen wearing masks.

Private vehicles can ply only in case of medical emergency and for availing of essential services. All shops, commercial establishments, factories, workshops and godowns will remain closed.

Hospitals, shops selling groceries, milk, bread, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and medicine besides petrol pumps and LPG and oil agencies will remain open.