The citizens should fully cooperate with doctors, medical staff, police, sanitation workers and others working on the frontline in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, said Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. Addressing the public on Facebook live on Friday, Rawat said that doctors, police and others are working round the clock to serve the public. “We should also be concerned about them because they are facing risks for you and me. The Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed on maintaining social distancing failing which all the efforts will come to naught. By observing social distancing as a cardinal principle, we will be able to prevent COVID-19 and save our state and nation,” said Rawat.
He recalled the appeal made by the PM to citizens for turning off lights in the homes and lighting lamps, candles, torches or mobile phone flashlights for nine minutes at 9 PM on April 5 in a show of unity. Amount under the Garib Kalyan package announced by the PM for the poor has started reaching accounts. The state government has also started depositing money in the accounts of labourers. However, it is vital to maintain social distancing in banks too, he stressed. Rawat also appealed economists and members of the intelligentsia to suggest measures for overcoming the economic loss after the lockdown is lifted. He also invited suggestions on how to raise public awareness and plan facilities to prevent crowding after the lockdown is lifted.