Centre advises state govts to declare lockdown in 75 districts where Covid-19 reported

Cabinet Secretary today reviewed Covid-19 status with Chief Secretaries of states and a slew of decisions have been taken, which include lockdown in 75 districts across the country affected by coronavirus. These districts have either reported confirmed cases or casualties relating to Covid-19. Only essential services will be allowed in these 75 districts.

The contain the spread of Covid-19, it was decided to extend the restrictions on the movement of non-essential passenger transport, including inter-state buses till 31 March. All train services have been suspended till 31 March, 2020, including suburban rail services. However, goods trains are exempted. All metro rail services will be suspended as well until 31 March.

The state governments may expand the list depending on their assessment of the situation.

A high-level meeting was held on Sunday morning with Chief Secretaries of all states by the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

State governments will issue orders allowing only essential services to operate in about 75 districts with confirmed Covid-19 cases or casualties.

Quite a few states, including Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Odisha have already announced complete lockdown from anywhere between 29 March to 31 March.