After months of improvement in the situation, the sudden spike in the number of Coronavirus cases in several areas has become a cause of concern for several states inclduing Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan.
As stated by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), states like Kerala and Maharashtra are worst hit with 74 per cent of the active Covid-19 cases at present. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Jammu in Kashmir o the other hand continue to witness a daily spike in coronavirus infections.
Here's how states are tackling the COVID-19 surge:
Gujarat: As per the latest figures available, as many as 315 fresh cases of coronavirus were reported in the last 24 hours in Gujarat. The death toll rose to 4,406 while the total number of infections in the state rose to 2,67,419.
Owing to the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Gujarat government on Monday swung into action and guarded check posts at Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh borders in order to screen people entering the state. Apart from setting up border check posts at the entry point, the passengers arriving at major railway stations like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Bhavnagar from different parts of the country will also be screened.
Karnataka: Checks conducted at Thalapady border for people of Kerala entering Dakshina Kannada; only those with negative RT-PCR test certificate are being allowed. Karnataka govt has taken the decision that only those with a negative RT-PCR test certificate will be allowed to enter Karnataka. DGP of Karnataka has assured that vehicles carrying essential items could be exempted from this requirement.
Maharashtra: Restrictions have been imposed in Buldhana city, Chikahli, Khamgaon, Deulgaon Raja & Malkapur areas of Maharashtra's Buldhana where a large number of COVID cases have been recorded in last few days. Essential services will be permitted between 8 am and 3 pm. Strict action will be taken against people who would violate the guidelines. Home isolation is not permitted.
Meanwhile BMC officials penalise those flouting Covid-19 rule in the state. News agency ANI quoted officials stating that 14,100 people penalised on 21st February and a fine of Rs 28.20 Lakhs collected from them during face mask enforcement drive. A total of 16,02,536 people penalised till yesterday and a fine of Rs 32,41,14,800 collected from them in total
Madhya Pradesh: Home Department asks collectors of Bhopal, Indore, Hoshangabad, Betul, Siwni, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Burhanpur, Alirajpur & districts bordering Maharashtra to convene meeting of district crisis management committees over COVID-19.
Rajasthan: Witnessing spike in the number of Coronavirus cases, the Rajasthan government has decided to impose Section 144 in Jodhpur till March 21. Moreover, a cap of 100 attendees has been made mandatory for all public gatherings, including weddings. According to the order issued by the Jodhpur Police, schools and colleges have been allowed to function.