Mangaluru: Even though prohibitory orders have been issued in the Dakshina Kannada district, the public will be allowed to exit their homes and purchase groceries and other essential commodities between 6 AM and 12 PM every day.
An announcement in this regard was made by district Deputy Commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh on Wednesday, March 25, after convening a meeting with the officials of the food department. She directed the officials to ensure that the district has sufficient stock of food during the 21-day lockdown.
While DK gets fruits and vegetables from the Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts, rice will be sourced from the Udupi district. During the meeting, officials were asked not to prevent the transport of essential commodities like fruits, vegetables and rice.
Meanwhile, DC Sindhu Rupesh asked the public not to throng grocery shops. “People need not buy essential commodities in bulk as there will be sufficient stock. However, the people are directed not to leave their homes unnecessarily and to finish their purchases between 6 AM and 12 PM,” she added.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Roopa M J, MCC Commissioner Shanady Ajith Kumar Hegde, joint commissioner Dr Santhosh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Arunangshu Giri and officials of the food department were present.
It can be recalled that the whole country was put on a 21-day lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There are over 600 COVID-19 cases in India and over 50 cases in the state. As many as 10 people have died of coronavirus.
Earlier in the day, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel had announced that the people would not be allowed to leave their homes to purchase essentials and that arrangements would be made to deliver the supplies to the doorsteps.
However, in the evening, DG-IGP Praveen Sood announced that food supermarkets and grocery stores would be allowed to stay open 24×7. He also requested the people not so crowd the stores and cooperate with the police.
