Rajasthan becomes third state to extend lockdown to contain spread of Covid-19

After Punjab and Odisha, Ashok Gehlot's Rajasthan government on Friday has anunced an extension to three-week lockdown till April 30 in order to curb spread of deadly coronavirus. CM Gehlot had earlier in a late-night decision, anunced a complete lockdown on March 21 till March 31. This was before Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25 anunced a pan-India 21-day lockdown. 

Earlier on Friday, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh unanimously extended lockdown till May 1. His anuncement came a day after Odisha said lockdown in state will be extended until end of this month.

Meanwhile, PM Modi will interact with chief ministers of all states on Saturday via video, where a call would be taken on wher 21-day lockdown to check spread of coronavirus, ending next week, should be extended. video conference comes amidst several states favouring extension of lockdown.

READ | Punjab cabinet unanimously approves extension of lockdown in state till May 1

Rajasthan Bans Spitting Of Paan, Chewed Tobacco In Public Places

In wake of containing spread of coronavirus, Rajasthan Government also banned spitting of paan, chewed tobacco and or products in public places. An order by state's health department stated that a penal action will be taken against anyone who violates rule. 

READ | COVID-19: '16,002 tests conducted in one day, only 2% test positive': Health Ministry

order furr read, "It is commonly seen that people usually spit in public places after chewing pan, tobacco and or products, which may cause spread of COVID-19. Hence, to prevent spread of COVID-19, this needs to be stopped." According to reports, this measure has been put in place under Section 2 of  Rajasthan Epidemic Diseases Act, 1957.

READ | Coronavirus LIVE Updates

Coronavirus in Rajasthan

98 new cases reported in Rajasthan on Friday taking state's COVID positive cases tally at 561. maximum number of cases - 53 - were reported on Friday in Jaipur, which has been identified as a hotspot. Banswara reported 12 cases, Jodhpur nine, Jaisalmer eight, Jhalawar three, Kota two and Alwar, Bharatpur and Dausa one each.

"With 98 fresh cases reported on Friday, total number of COVID-19 patients has reached 561, whereas, with death of a 65-year old woman who died at SMS hospital in Jaipur on Thursday evening, number of deaths has increased to eight," said an official on Friday evening.

(with PTI inputs)

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