In view of the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh, the State Government imposed a day’s lockdown in three major cities, including Jabalpur, Bhopal and Indore, on Sunday. The step was taken with an aim to check the spread of dreadful virus. The lockdown would be imposed on every Sunday in the cities until further orders. Likewise, all schools and colleges would remain closed till March 31. A complete lockdown was clamped in the city on Sunday. Except emergency services all activities were restricted totally.

 

Roads were deserted and shops remained closed throughout the day. In view of the spurt in coronavirus cases, the State Government had on March 19 announced lockdown in three major cities of the State including Jabalpur on every Sunday. Accordingly, the lockdown came into force at 10 pm on Saturday and will remain in force till 6 am on Monday. Due to the lockdown, all big and small shops, even the kiosks selling milk, petrol pumps remained closed. This is after seven months that a complete lockdown was in place again in Jabalpur. But it was for the first time that even petrol pumps, grocery shops and vegetable markets were closed during the lockdown. Last year, these establishments were allowed to operate for fixed duration.

 

The emergency services like hospitals, metro buses were remain unaffected. Auto-rickshaws were allowed to ferry people during emergency and the candidates who appeared for the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) examination held at four centres in the city. To ensure the lockdown remained successful, the district administration and police department had made foolproof arrangements in entire city. number of police personnel were deployed at every square and crossings to avoid violation of the lockdown. Administrative officials were also on toe to maintain proper law and order situation in the city.