• By Talib Khan
  • Tue, 17 Mar 2020 10:52 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: In wake of the coronavirus outbreak, which has so far infected 125 people in India, the Maharashtra government on Monday decided that they will stamp all those people who have been sent to home quarantine to stop further spread of the pandemic.

Late on Monday evening, Greater Mumbai's Municipal Commissioner Pravin Pardeshi issued an order to all officials concerned at hospitals and the airport, asking them to 'stamp' behind the left palm of the home quarantined person concerned, the dates of isolation, with ink that would last for 14 days.

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"It is not a crime if somebody is infected by Covid-19. They must be given proper medical treatment and psychological support. The Epidemic Diseases Act has been invoked in the interest of the people and the district administration must create awareness on it," Thackeray said as reported by news agency IANS.

He also directed that all facilities must be provided for persons under home quarantine and also at the other treatment centres, where the existing patients are responding to treatment.

According to the notice, the left hand of all the 100 per cent ‘home quarantined’ people will be stamped to identify them if they mingle with the general public. The decision was described as a precautionary measure after 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state -- highest in India -- and around seven suspected patients had fled from treatment centres in the past couple of days.

 

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope also said that on the lines of the indelible ink applied to voters during elections, a stamp will be imprinted on the left hand indicating "that person/patient is under compulsory home quarantine" till March 31.

"This will help other people identify them if they break home quarantine and mix among the public during their home isolation period," he said as quoted by IANS.

The state government has also made it a punishable offence if any person attempts to evade the compulsory quarantine, or breaks 'home quarantine' and would forcibly move such person to a government isolation facility.

Additionally, entry to Mantralaya -- the state government headquarters and a major public hub -- shall be banned till March 31, except for those on official duties, days after the Maharashtra Legislature's Budget Session was curtailed by a week in view of the coronavirus precautions.

All upcoming local bodies and civic elections have been postponed by three months, the shutdown of academic institutions in urban centres has been extended to cover all educational institutions even in rural areas.

While religious activities can be continued unhindered, there must be absolutely no crowds of devotees at any religious place, the CM said. Thackeray appealed that those who have been advised home quarantine must voluntarily refrain from stepping out in public to prevent any risk to others.

Also Read: Coronavirus Pandemic: 125 confirmed cases with 2 deaths prompt lockdown in cities | Check state-wise updates here

Thackeray said that as per the blanket ban, no permission would be given to any organisation, political party or event management companies for holding any programme/events where crowds would gather. He also appealed to religious leaders of various faiths and elected representatives to use their "influence" and create awareness among the people to comply with the government norms.

 

 

(With IANS Inputs)


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