Telangana shuts down educational institutions till March 31

With Covid-19 concerns growing, the Telangana Government has decided to shut down all educational institutions – from primary schools to universities, coaching centres and summer camps – till March 31, 2020.

With reports emanating from different parts triggering fear and concern, the Telangana Government has announced a slew of measures to tackle the infectious Novel Coronavirus.

While educational institutions are closed till March 31, other public places such as cinema halls, bars, pubs, membership-based clubs, gyms, zoo parks, amusement parks and museums are closed for a week.

The government has also decided not to give permissions to public meetings, meetings, seminars, workshops, public celebrations, rallies, exhibitions, trade fairs and cultural events for a week.

“Post that, we will review the situation and take a further call,” Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has said. 

Chairing a high-powered committee meeting and later the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister has sanctioned Rs 500 crore to check the spread of Covid-19. Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar can plan and spend the resources.

All the scheduled public examinations (Intermediate and SSC) will be held as per the timetable.

All the weddings and other functions should be conducted among the close groups of family members and relatives. “I advise people to limit the invitees at the weddings to 100 each (from the bride and groom sides).

“Function halls should not take any bookings for weddings after March 31. All the pre-booked weddings will be allowed (till March 31),” Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has said.

No apprehension

Allaying fears, he said there’s absolutely no reason to worry. “All the cases that have been reported and confirmed are about people coming from abroad. We have been screening all those arriving at the international airport. We have mobilised 200 people for screening,” he said.

He warned rumour-mongers against spreading fake and unconfirmed reports on social media. He also cautioned the TV channels against airing unverified news. “You should depend on official figures. Don’t telecast speculative reports,” he said.

He said the Health Department has kept 1,020 beds ready for isolation of suspected, and 321 Intensive Care Unit beds and 240 ventilators ready to address the problem.