Coronavirus: Govt offices in Chhattisgarh to remain shut till Mar 31

In a major decision aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus, the Chhattisgarh government on Saturday ordered to keep all its offices, except those providing essential and emergency services, shut till March 31, officials said. Operations of buses in all urban areas have also been suspended till March 29, they said.

So far, one confirmed case of coronavirus has been detected in the state, where schools, colleges, universities, anganwadis, public libraries, swimming pools, cinema halls, multiplexes, water parks, malls, coaching centres, clubs, beauty parlour, spa and gyms, have been shut.

"The General Administration Department has issued a directive regarding the closure of all government offices, except those providing essential and emergency services, till March 31," an official statement said.

During this period, all the secretaries and department heads at the state-level will make necessary arrangements at their residence and carry out official work, it added. Operations of all offices at the district and divisional level, barring the offices of divisional commissioners, collectors, Inspector General of Police (IGPs), Superintendent of Police (SPs), health services, fire brigade and other emergency services along with hospitals, should be suspended for ensuring health facilities and maintaining law and order, the statement said.

Common citizens should be discouraged to visit those offices which will remain to function, it said. The statement said that the government has suspended the operations of city buses in all urban areas till March 29.