Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, May 9: Mangaluru city police commissioner N Shashi Kumar on Sunday, May 9 called upon people to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the government to contain the spiking cases of infection in the state.

The commissioner had received various suggestions from the public for containing the spread of the virus in a virtual session which included a conversation on Covid. Speaking with regard to this on live interaction with the public on Facebook, he said, "People in Mangaluru are paying heed to the government order, 99% of the people in the city are following Covid-19 guidelines. We have taken appropriate measures in case of a violation of the guidelines. Especially, under the city limits, we have not exerted force on the public. But, sometimes the department will have to resort to stringent measures to disperse the public or against violators."

Police commissioner N Shashi Kumar (file photo)

He also said that police staff deployed at checkpost or patrol units are working on humanitarian grounds.

"Travellers coming from the railway stations and airport can use their tickets as passes. In case of violation, we have booked cases and seized the vehicles."

Commissioner also said that he has directed the police personnel to follow Covid appropriate behaviour. He further said that there are instances where police staff has helped the senior citizens in availing medical treatment with the use of department vehicles.

On a query that whether a person can travel from Bengaluru to Mangaluru, the commissioner said that if it is a genuine reason, it will be allowed. But, if it is found that the reason is not valid, the person will be booked and the vehicle will be seized.

On the question of whether plumbers or electrician are allowed to travel, the commissioner said that in case of emergency, the provision will be made for the movement.

On a suggestion to deploy home guards, Shashi Kumar said, "We have deployed 150 home guards in the city. We have written to the district administration requesting to provide 75 additional home guards."

After a few people suggested extending the relaxation timings to 12 pm for the purchase of essential items, the commissioner said that the police department will strictly be working as per the guidelines by the state government and district administration. Medical store owners and staff will be allowed to travel. Walking, jogging in public places and parks are strictly prohibited. Commissioner also confirmed that the police department has not issued any passes to the public. Passes that are not official in nature will be prohibited. He also said during such a crisis people should help each other.

Responding to a complaint that security at Wenlock is misleading the patients on the basis of religion, the commissioner asked complainants to share information so that necessary action will be taken against them.

Commissioner also congratulated and thanked frontline workers like doctors, nurses, municipal workers, staff of the police department for their service during the pandemic. He reiterated that the public should strictly follow the Covid-19 guidelines and stay at home.

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