Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 24: Public in Udupi have given good response to the state-wide lockdown called for by the state government to fight coronavirus.

Police personnel have been moving around the city and warning the people to stay indoors. Malpe fishing port however is witnessing busy activity.

People were seen rushing out in the early morning to buy vegetables, milk etc in view of lockdown order. The police who went around the city made the shopkeepers who were open to shut their doors. Those sitting in the service bus stand here were also advised to go away.

All private and KSRTC busses have stopped operations. Passengers who arrived from Bengaluru by night bus struggled to reach their destinations as there was no transport facility.

Police personnel are inspecting every vehicle in Manipal. Only essential items vehicles are allowed to pass through the checkpoints. 

A release said that for the first time in the history, jasmine market at Shankarapura will remain closed till March 31. A decision was taken to this effect at the meeting of jasmine dealers, it is learnt.

Earlier on Monday, March 23, deputy commissioner of the district G Jagadeesha, said that lockdown order in the district as issued by the state government would be enforced in its letter and spirit.

In a video message, he said that as per the state government instructions, lockdown would be affective from Monday midnight. "Since Tuesday morning, no one can unnecessarily come out of houses. If they come out, the district administration will take legal action against them. The state government has decided to lockdown the entire state, and we would be implementing it in our district strictly," he added.

"Section 144 has been imposed in the district and curfew will also come into effect. No one should come out. Some essential services are available for citizens like food grains, ration sops, milk, vegetables, provisions, meat, fish, fruits etc. Only those who need these services can venture out of their houses. Vehicular traffic also has been banned," he said. He asked the people to cooperate with the government in its efforts to weed out coronavirus from the state.