Coronavirus pandemic: Over 36 MP districts under lockdown

Over 36 districts in Madhya Pradesh have so far declared lockdown in view of the growing threat of coronavirus in the state.

Six people in the state have tested positive for the coronavirus so far - one from Bhopal and five from Jabalpur.

The lockdown period in districts varies from 72 hours to April 3, official sources said.

State capital Bhopal, Tikamgarh, Dindori, Raisen, Rajgarh, Chhatarpur, Datia, Morena, Hoshangabad, Umaria and Anooppur will remain under lockdown till March 31, while Narsinghpur will remain so till April 3.

Besides, Indore, Sehore, Shajapur, Agar Malwa, Rewa, Shivpuri, Katni, Gwalior and Bhind will be locked down till March 24, Shahdol, Alirajpur till March 23, Dewas, Neemuch, Singrauli, Guna, Ratlam, Mandla, Mandsaur, Balaghat, Seoni, Ujjain, Sheopur, Jhabua, Vidisha till March 25, Jabalpur till March 26.

Betul and Chhindwara will be under lockdown till further orders, the sources said.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have also been imposed in all these districts, they said.

"With an aim to check the spread of coronavirus, Indore will be locked down from Moday till Wednesday," Indore divisional commissioner Akash Tripathi told reporters after the district administration issued orders to this effect.

Appealing people to remain indoors and come out only for necessary work, Tripathi said, "We are keeping an eye over the situation. If required, the lockdown will period will be extended till March 31."