Coronavirus (COVID-19): ‘Janata Curfew’ hits normal life in Assam

COMMON FIGHT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Life in Assam came to near standstill on Sunday as the State observed ‘Janata Curfew’ from 7 am to 9 pm along with the rest of the country to prevent spreading coronavirus through social isolation.

While all major roads including the arterial Guwahati-Shillong Road, which passes through the heart of the city and connects with Meghalaya’s capital, remained deserted, a few vehicles provided essential services. Even the streets which normally witness children and youths playing various games especially cricket during any kind of shutdown and strike, too wore a deserted look in all localities.

All business establishments including malls, small shops and markets remained closed. Even though essential services like ambulances, water supply etc. continued to operate; some of the pharmacies closed their shutters as a mark of solidarity to join the move for social isolation to prevent coronavirus taking epidemic form.

“I have never seen such a scene in Guwahati in my lifetime. The city was completely deserted and I reached the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital from Jalukbari in just 22 minutes on Sunday morning. It takes minimum 40 to 45 minutes to reach the same destination on normal days,” a doctor at GMCH said.

Since the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) had cancelled all trains originating from Saturday midnight till Sunday 10 pm, the Guwahati Railway Station also wore an almost deserted look.

Similar was the situation in Central and Upper Assam districts. The Janata Curfew was also total in Barak Valley districts.

Amidst curfew many people in different localities and residential areas came out to their balconies, courtyards, and entrance gates at 5 pm on Sunday to clap for those involved in maintaining essential services in the country braving the coronavirus threat.

Normal life in the State will continue to remain affected till Monday with the Assam Chamber of Commerce appealing to all business establishments to remain shut between 6 am to 9 pm on Monday as a preventive measure against coronavirus.

On other hand, the Chief Minister Office on Sunday appealed to the people to observe the Janata Curfew till 8 am on Monday.

Also Read: COVID-19: Janata Curfew extended till 8am, 23rd March

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