Chief Minister Hemant Soren in his message to the people of Jharkhand on Tuesday informed that in order to break the chain of Covid-19 the State Government has decided to observe “Health Safety Week” starting from 6.00 am on April 22 and it will end at 6.00 pm on April 29. The CM did not use the term Lockdown in his message, but the restrictions during the “Health Safety Week” will be similar to that of a complete lockdown in the State.
The CM in his message said, “To prevent the growing infection of corona in Jharkhand, it is absolutely necessary to break its chain. Jharkhand is a poor State and it has been our priority from the beginning to save both life and livelihood. Keeping the above in mind, it was decided that ‘Health Safety Week’ will be followed by everyone from 6.00 am on April 22 to 6.00 pm on April 29. This will help break the chain of Covid-19.”
The CM further informed about restrictions, which include closure of all shops except those for essential items. “All offices except that of the Central Government, State Government and marked private institutions will be closed. Agriculture, industrial and mining activities will continue. Religious places will remain open but devotees will not be allowed there. No person will come out of his/her house except for works allowed by the Government. Gathering of more than five persons will remain prohibited,” he said.
The CM said corona infection can be stopped only with the help of public participation. He, therefore, appealed to the people of the State not to go out of their houses except very essential works.
The Government has already announced some measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 as all kinds of examinations have been suspended till further order. Besides, all academic institutions, training centres and even Anganwadi centres are closed.
Earlier, 200 people were allowed to participate in marriage ceremonies. But the Government decided that only 50 people will be allowed to participate in any marriage function and 20 people for performing last rites.