After refusing to consider imposition of lockdown for weeks, the Telangana government has finally decided to go for a ‘strict lockdown’ for ten days beginning Wednesday to control the Covid-19 pandemic.

The lockdown, however, is relaxed from 6 am to 10 am every day for people to carry out essential shopping or other work.

Agriculture, healthcare and pharma sectors, works under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and traffic on highways are exempted from lockdown.

The Cabinet, which met here on Tuesday, discussed the Covid-19 situation and has decided to impose the lockdown.

The State Government, while initially being against lockdown, had to opt for it after all the neighbouring States announced full or partial lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus infections.

Telangana reported 4,801 new Covid-19 positive cases and 32 deaths due to the viral infection on Tuesday. It has 60,000 active cases.

The Cabinet would take stock of the situation on May 20 and take a call on ending or continuing with the lockdown.

The decision, however, attracted criticism from social activists for not giving enough time for some people to go to their native places from Hyderabad. The lockdown is announced two days ahead of the Ramzan, a widely celebrated festival in the State capital.

Key takeaways

As the crop procurement season gains momentum and preparations for the kharif season are about to begin, the Cabinet has decided to exempt all works related agriculture and allied sectors from the provisions of lockdown. Transport of agriculture produce, functioning of rice mills, sale of fertilisers and seeds and activities at seed manufacturing companies would be allowed unhindered.

All work at pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment manufacturers, hospitals and movement of their staff are also exempted. All staff working for essential services such as water supply, sanitation, power generation and distribution, LPG supply companies, print and electronic media, warehousing and cold storage firms are also exempted from lockdown.

While Government offices would work with one-third of employees, banks are allowed to continue their operations. Public transports like the RTC and Metro services are available during the relaxed period.

Cinema halls, swimming pools, amusement parks and gyms will be shut down during the 10-day period.

Panels for oxygen, Remdesivir

The Cabinet has constituted a Task Force to ensure regular procurement and supply of life-saving injections and drugs. IT and Industries Minister K T Rama Rao will head the committee. The Chief Minister spoke to manufacturers of Remdesivir and asked them to supply stocks.

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