Amaravati: Lockdown relaxation period cut by 2 hours

Amaravati: Amid rising cases of positive Covid-19 in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday held a high-level review meeting with Group of Ministers (GoM) and concerned officials to discuss the coronavirus situation in the state. The Andhra Pradesh government has now decided to reduce the relaxation time given to citizens for buying essentials during lockdown by two hours in urban areas.

Now, public can only go out to buy essential commodities between 6 am to 11 am every day and afterwards the government authorities will ensure strict lockdown in the state.

The Chief Minister has ordered the officials to implement the relaxation time from 6 am to 11 am in urban areas and rural areas from 6 am to 1 pm. The price list of essential goods should be displayed at every shop and supermarkets and strict action would be taken against those flouting the rules. A call centre will be operating to take complaints about price hike or hoarders who sell at a higher price and they would be sent to jail.

The Chief Minister has also instructed officials to make use of RTC buses for supply of essential goods and delivery of vegetables through mobile vans. He ordered officials to supply goods to old-age homes. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Kurasala Kannababu said his government is taking all necessary measures to ensure that there shall be no interruption in the transportation of fertilizer needed for agriculture.

Further, as per the CM's instructions, steps are being taken to reopen the aqua-related industries while maintaining social distancing. All these people will be provided with masks and gloves for safety. Ministers Botsa Satyanarayana, M Sucharitha, Buggana Rajendranath, Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney, Special Health Secretary Jawahar Reddy were present in the meeting.