COVID-19 Crisis: Take Lockdown Seriously, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Tells People

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday urged people to take the ongoing lockdown to contain coronavirus seriously. He, however, also noted that the pandemic situation in Chhattisgarh was better than many other states in the country. “We had to take the decision to enforce lockdown in urban areas to contain the spread of the infection. People should take lockdown seriously,” he said in a video message.

Also Read: Chhattisgarh Government Extends Lockdown In Coronavirus-Hit Areas Till August 6

Lockdown in coronavirus-hit urban areas including capital Raipur has been extended till August 6. As of Wednesday, Chhattisgarh had reported 8,600 COVID-19 cases, including 2,914 active cases and 50 deaths. Over 5,700 of 8,600 cases were reported in the last one month. Mr. Baghel said,

The lockdown indeed creates difficulties for common people but if they do not follow safety and prevention norms, then restrictions cannot be relaxed. Although the situation in Chhattisgarh is quite under control compared to other states, the state has reported a spike in cases recently. This happened because people did not adhere to safety and preventive measures during `unlock’. Recovery rate of COVID-19 cases is better in Chhattisgarh while the mortality rate is quite low. We are doing better than many states. With people’s cooperation we would be able to do even better.

More than 5,000 samples are being tested every day in the state at present, the chief minister said, adding that soon the capacity will be ramped up to 10,000 samples per day.

Also Read: Coronavirus: Women SHGs Make 39 Lakh Masks, 10000 Litre Sanitiser

“Doctors are working diligently….Large number of patients have returned home after recovery. Eight regional and22 district-level hospitals have COVID-19 treatment facilities. All COVID hospitals have sufficient stocks of masks, PPE kits, triple layer masks and medicines,” he said.

Mr. Baghel appealed people to wear masks, wash hands frequently and practice physical distancing besides avoiding crowded places.

If we take precautions seriously, we would be able to contain coronavirus infection. If people do not take precautions, it would become difficult, he said.

Referring to reports of some groups opposing sample collection for testing in certain areas, the chief minister said,

I humbly request these groups to understand the situation and its seriousness. These steps are being taken for the well-being of you and your family. Kindly cooperate with health workers.

He also extended wishes to people for Raksha Bandhan and Bakr Id festivals and appealed for confining celebrations to home.

Also Read: Chhattisgarh Self Help Groups Make Face Masks, Sanitisers To Tackle Shortage Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.