Gehlot strikes note of caution amid corona threat: People need to act as if there is curfew

Amid rising concerns over coronavirus, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday asked people to exercise abundant caution against the threat and behave as if there is a curfew in the state.

Gehlot struck the note of caution after holding a series of meeting, including an all-party meet with political leaders and another with religious heads, seeking their support in handling the situation in the state, an official statement said.

"The government will not impose curfew for it (to tackle the situation) but the people will have to act as if there is a curfew," the statement said, quoting the chief minister.

After meeting with the chief minister, religious leaders issued a joint public appeal asking devotees to avoid visiting religious places for the time being and to offer prayers at home.

The chief minister also convened an all-party meeting in his office and discussed the situation with the political leaders. He said that the situation in the state is under control but next the two-three weeks are crucial and people should avoid visiting crowded places.

Gehlot said coronavirus has become a cause of concern for all and support from political parties was needed.

The chief minister suggested to the leaders of various parties to create awareness among masses in villages through their organisations.

He also sought suggestions from political leaders on how to tackle the situation.

Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria, BJP MLA Kalicharan Saraf and leaders from various parties, including AAP, attended the meeting.

In a separate meeting with religious leaders, the chief minister said they should convince devotees to avoid visiting religious places in view of the threat of the spread of coronavirus.

He said it was in public interest and for safety of the people and was not intended at hurting religious sentiments of anyone.

The religious leaders, from different religion, later issued an appeal asking people to offer prayers at home till March 31.

In both the meeting, participants assured the chief minister their cooperation in handling the situation, the official statement said.

In view of the scare, North Western Railway has also cancelled Ambala-Ganganagar-Ambala express train from March 18 to March 30 while Jaipur's City Palace Museum, Jaigarh Fort, Shilamata Temple in Amber will also remain closed for tourists till March 31.

Pradesh Congress Committee chief and deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot cancelled public hearing at his residence till March 31.

Meanwhile, test reports of three persons, evacuated from Iran and are in quarantine facility of Indian Army in Jaisalmer, were found negative on Tuesday.

Their samples were collected after they were found with symptoms of coronavirus affliction. Rest are in healthy condition and have been quarantined in Jaisalmer, an official said.

A total of 289 Indians, who were evacuated from Iran, reached Jaisalmer in two batches on Sunday and Monday and samples of three were collected.

A total of 467 samples have been collected in the state so far. Of them, four were tested positive, 445 negative and test reports of 18 are awaited.

Of the four coronavirus positive patients, three have recovered.

The situation in the state is under control but there is need to remain vigilant, Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.