Netizens are demanding lockdown. Govt shuts Akhaura Border Post with Bangladesh, stops inter-State Bus services. Question is Can Covid-19 spread through currency notes?
Agartala, March 22, 2020: As fear grips psyche of people, Netizens are increasingly demanding ‘lockdown’ in the State to reduce possibility of transmission of deadly Covid-19. Bankers have also raised demands for closure of banks at least for week. Meanwhile, the State Government has suspended movement of passengers through Agartala Immigration Land Check Post with effect from March 22 midnight. Further, the State Government has also suspended inter-State bus services.
Netizens demand ‘lockdown’, Bankers ‘closure’
Even as there is no positive report of coronavirus case in the State, country is entering into crucial 3rd and 4th week which led netizens to raise demand for total lockdown in the State. In social media, several posts surfaced demanding complete lockdown – the demand is gaining momentum as Lockdown was announced in districts by West Bengal Government and Nagaland government.
Can Covid-19 spread through currency notes? Citing experience of Italy, some of the banks of the State are demanding closure at least for a week. “It is reported that in countries like Italy, the virus spread through currency as a medium. The government should consider closure of the bank services for one week as a preventive measure”, a higher official posted in a scheduled banks said. The same was echoed by an official of a nationalized bank and he added, “Many people gather at bank premises every day giving rise to possibility of transmission. Shutting down banking services is necessary to prevent possibility of virus transmission”.
Govt shuts ICP, suspends inter-state Bus services
The State Government has suspended movement of passengers (except for the official and diplomatic passport holders) through Agartala Immigration Land Check Post with effect from today midnight to March 31 next, an official release said.
According to press communiqué, after observing sharp increase in passenger traffic through Akhuara ICP since March 18 last, Union Ministry of Home Affairs was informed. After due consideration of all aspects, the state government has decided to restrict movement of passenger traffic from Agartala LCS from midnight of March 22 till March 31 next. The order has been issued under Sec 2 of Epidemic Disease Act and Sec 38 of Disaster Management Act. The order will not be applicable for cargo vehicles (with due precautions) in order to maintain supply of essential commodities in the state.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb appealed to all concerned to keep a close watch so that no person from neighbouring Bangladesh can cross the international border and sneak into Tripura during this period.
Besides, as part of precautionary measures, the state government also decided to suspend inter-state bus services even as the Chief Minister asked for taking a pause on the public transport tomorrow.
