Telangana CM calls for 24-hour shutdown from 6am Sunday; two

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday called for a 24-hour voluntary curfew from 6 am on March 22 to combat the spread of the coronavirus, as two new fresh COVID-19 cases were reported in the state taking the tally to 21 in the state.

The fresh cases, include a 35-year-old man, a city resident who moved closely with a person who has already tested positive for the virus, according to a media bulletin on COVID-19.

Rao, who supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to observe 'Janta curfew' on Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm, urged the people of Telangana to stay at home from 6 AM on Sunday to 6 AM on Monday.

Telangana should stand as an ideal to the entire country in the decision that the country has taken to observe 'Janta curfew' with self-control, tomorrow.

Backing PM Modi's call for the 'curfew', he said:"... let us follow for 24 hours from 6 (AM) tomorrow morning to 6 (AM) day after tomorrow morning, Rao told reporters.

The voluntary curfew should not seen as a burden, he said.

Except emergency services, including medical, fire services and electricity, others should close down voluntarily and stay at home for 24 hours in the interest of their own families, state, country and humanity, he said.

Rao announced that the state-run Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses would not operate during the 'curfew.'