Jamshedpur, June 27: The city went into ‘silent mode’ once again on Sunday, with only the loud sirens of ambulances piercing the silence, indicating a health emergency. The lockdown, to contain the spread of Covid-19, forced most people to stay indoors, not out of fear of the reinvigorated virus, but out of fear of the penalty of venturing outdoors.
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.
The State government was taking several safety precautions to contain the spread of COVID-19. Officials of the health, revenue and police departments were working jointly to contain the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination, conducting more tests, immediate treatment of COVID-19 patients, and containment measures are undertaken by the district administration.
Following the rising COVID-19 positive cases, the demand for vaccines has increased. The State government has supplied sufficient quantities of vaccines. Several camps are conducted every day across the district.
The Collector urged the public to strictly follow the rules and stay indoors during the complete lockdown on Sundays. Shops, malls, offices and temples remained shut while buses, autorickshaws, cars and two-wheelers did not ply in the city.
A day earlier, locals thronged markets to ensure they had enough supplies to get through the lockdown. At various junctions, free food was distributed to the destitute, which formed beelines for it.