Covid-19 cases on rise: Here’s how Odisha responds to Janta Curfew

Bhubaneswar:  Empty streets, closed shops, no vendors, no traffic jams. For once, the streets of the busy state capital seem to have paused for a Sunday break.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal of ‘Janta Curfew’, Odisha government, yesterday, announced a week-long near-total lockdown in the state, starting from today. Allowing access to commodities of daily needs, the Government ordered people in various districts of the state to stay indoors. For extra precautions, it also stationed police personnel at various traffic points to check unwarranted mobilization on roads.

 

As people have abided by the state government’s orders  and stayed indoors, Sambad English initiated conversations with denizens from various walks of life to  know what they opine about the imposition of  ‘Janta Curfew’:

Here are excerpts:

 

  • Dr. Padmanabh Acharya, former ADMO of Malkangiri

“I think the lockdown will help control the infection to quite some extent. The lethal coronavirus, according to research, holds a longitivity of 12 hours. So, the 14 hours lockdown will help control the spreading of the infection to a huge extent. This step was necessary for the well-being of all the people. So, I advice everyone should follow it.”

  • Rabindra Nath Mishra, Professor and HOD of the Department of Physics in Ravenshaw University, Cuttack

“We are facing a global health issue. Considering all the advices of the officials from the Health Departments and the Government, I completely welcome this step and feel it’s the need of the hour.”

 

  • Sk.Rahil, a Bhubaneswar-based businessman

“Talking professionally, my business has already hampered as we couldn’t meet our business targets by our financial year-end due to the lockdown. But I also feel we need to live to run the business. So, instead of taking small steps every day, I feel a huge step like this would help bring our lives to normal very soon. I support and obey the government’s decision.”

  • Sandipta Mohapatra, a home-maker in Bhubaneswar

“I and my family totally support the lockdown. The government has taken this decision for our safety.

It has allowed access to our daily needs like groceries and milk. So, our normal lives are not being hampered. The least we can do is co-operate by staying safe, indoors.”

  • Pragyan Sahoo, a Post Graduation student from Kendrapara

“Our safety lies in our hands too. I agree that the lockdown is for our safety but what about the less privileged people? What about people who live on the streets or the road-side food trolley runners? How are they supposed to run their families or stay safe?”

While people stayed indoors to help the cause, no untoward or unruly incident was reported from across the state where restrictions have been put in place. In sporadic incidents, police personnel were seen persuading people not to venture out unless it is urgent.

The cops also advised to refrain from using motorised vehicle.

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