Pune government announced the total territory a covid-19 containment zone, from April 19th 12 PM till April 27, to curb coronavirus spread. Thirteen of fifteen civic wards are declared red zones and remaining two as orange zones, triggering a compete lockdown in Pune.
The civic bodies and neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad have additionally declared the zones inside their jurisdiction limits as red zones. The order further enforced movement of individuals to forestall the spread of the infection. With the population of 7.5 crores, combined metropolitan area of Pune including Pimpri Chinchwad becomes the first twin cities in India to be entirely sealed.
The decision comes a day after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar gave directives about implementation of a strict lockdown in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad limits.
The order to announce the whole Pune city as ‘containment zone’ was given by PMC Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad. It says that all the areas encompassing in both the municipal limits as far as possible will be restricted from Sunday 12 PM for another eight days until further strategy is decided.
Municipal commissioner Shravan Hardikar said employees and vehicles related to municipal corporation, state and central governments working for Covid-19, will be exempted from the rule. The Pune Muncipal Corporation (PMC) will supervise the entire sealed regions for extensive covid-19
Screening for the next eight days.
All banks must keep their branches open on weekdays from 10 am to 2 p.m, ATM’s must be operational. Sale of fruits, vegetables and other essential items will be granted from 10 a.m to 2 p.m and delivery to home is disallowed.