Jamshedpur, July 11: Roads wore a deserted look as people stayed indoors and all commercial activities came to a grinding halt in th4e city in response to the complete Sunday lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The state government has announced the full shutdown barring essential services on Sundays in the backdrop of steady increase in COVID-19 cases in the past over one month.
On weekly shutdown on Sunday, vehicles remained off roads and most of the shops remained shut except for grocery stores and essential services. By and large, people abiding by the lockdown all over the state, reports from districts received here said.
“Respected Citizens, just stay home and don’t ask for exceptions as this is being done in everybody’s interest, heavens won’t fall if you postpone by a day. Please exercise self-discipline and cooperate. Happy Sunday,” said an official. Shops, malls, offices and temples remained shut while buses, autorickshaws, cars and two-wheelers did not ply in the city.
A complete lockdown has begun in the State during the weekend. This shutdown on Saturday and Sunday came into effect just a month ago after the State government had commenced the unlock process after the imposition of another lockdown in the wake of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, more shops and business establishments have re-opened across the State. Banks and financial institutions opened on Friday. Police checks on roads have reduced considerably with the easing of curbs on public activities. The number of COVID-19 cases showed a significant fall across the state as well as in other parts of the country in the last few days. As a result, several State governments have announced the ending of lockdown.
Residents of the city extended full cooperation to the complete lockdown which began on Saturday evening till Monday morning by staying indoors. Only those into essential services, which were exempted besides those who wanted to be vaccinated came out. Police teams deployed at important junctions and stretches checked unnecessary movement. While a few vehicles were seen out in the morning, most roads were deserted in the afternoon.
The city police held more than 200 vehicles of those who ventured out without any genuine reason. Around 100 people who were spotted violating social distancing norms and commuting without face masks were booked. The police have established checkpoints at 23 spots across the city to screen people moving on roads.
A police officer said, “Only those going to funerals are allowed. People involved in essential works are allowed after showing their identity card or permission letter.”
The public must cooperate and strictly comply with the rules issued by the government during the complete lockdown on Sundays, said DC Suraj Kumar. He said that the spread of COVID-19 was rapid during the second wave.