Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Mar 30: Given the rise in coronavirus cases there is no scope to hold celebrations for religious festivals, warned deputy commissioner G Jagadeesh.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Jagadeesha said that there is no scope for festivities, exhibition and entertainment this time as Covid is becoming rampant in the district. The district administration has rejected applications requesting permission for conducting celebrations. If any preparations for the festivities are made it should be withdrawn," he said.

The government has not banned Yakshagana or movies. Events should be held as per government guidelines. Strict action will be taken against violatiors, the DC warned.

"The condition in Udupi is similar to that in Karnataka except at MIT. More than a thousand cases have been reported from MIT. There is a 15% positivity in Manipal MIT and the positivity rate in the district is 2%. The people in the district need not be afraid. Act with caution. Educational institutes should strictly observe Covid guidelines. Action under Epidemic Act will be taken in case of violations. DDPI and DDPU have been given directions and we have deployed more officials to tackle the situation," he said.

"All MIT students have undergone coronavirus test. Covid tests are being conducted on staffs and primary contacts considering the buffer zone around MIT. There are students who have come from other states. They may be studying together. Even though they do not have symptoms, they are likely to spread the virus. From the information we have most of them are engineering students," he added.

MIT College campus in Manipal has been declared a containment zone. Anandathirtha Vidyalaya, Kunjarugiri and Manipal Mandavi Emerald have been declared containment zones due to the increase in corona cases, DC said.