Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 23: The 14-day partial lockdown announced by the state government has come into force in the state. Beginning from Thursday April 22, most of the services have been crippled in the city and rural areas alike.

On Friday April 23, officials again closed a few commercial shops at central market and market road. Several vendors complained that that administration was doing injustice as only shops are asked to be closed at market road and in the central market, but not other places.

Shops in Mangaluru on Friday

It is learnt that police will completely shut commercial establishments from 11.15 am in the city henceforth.

Because of partial lockdown, normal life and business dealings were markedly less in the city on Thursday. Some of the shops and commercial complexes were closed down as a precautionary measure. Only 50 percent seats were allowed to be filled in buses but in several buses, a normal crowd was found. Even though only parcel serves were allowed in hotels, many hotels opened for customers, duly maintaining social distance norms. Construction activities, repairs, and pre monsoon works went ahead normally. Fair price shops, shops dealing food, pulses, fruits, vegetables, milk products, fish, meat, animal feed, banks, insurance offices and ATMs were open. Devotees' entry was restricted in temples, churches and mosques.

As per the new guidelines of the state government, till May 4, curfew will be in operation from 9 pm to 6 am. On weekends, the corona-induced curfew would be in force from 9 pm on Friday to 6 am on Monday. Because of these restrictions, services of some sectors have been defective.

Towards effective implementation of thief curfew, a total of 75 check posts including 45 within the city commissionerate limits and 30 in various parts of the district including inter-state border, have been set up.