Prime Minister Modi announces emergency relief fund for coronavirus fight

Karnataka, Goa in enforcement mode

New Delhi, Mar 28 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the creation of an assistance and emergency situation relief fund where people can contribute and help in the government’s fight against coronavirus.

The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund will go a long way in creating a healthier India, he said on Twitter.

“People from all walks of life expressed their desire to donate to India’s war against Covid-19,” he said, adding the fund has been constituted respecting that spirit.

Karnataka Deputy CM warns those defying lockdown orders

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol on Saturday said the coronavirus epidemic has reached the third phase, and cautioned people defying the lockdown orders.

“Today the coronavirus epidemic has entered the third phase. By and large people are cooperating,” he told reporters at Bagalkote.

The deputy chief minister said there were some people defying the lockdown orders by roaming in groups without wearing masks.

He said he has directed the district authorities to take stringent action against them.

Karjol also said the government has taken adequate measures for the treatment and prevention of this disease.

Steps have been taken for door-to-door supply of grocery items in Bagalkote, he added.

Goa villages seal borders amid Covid-19 lockdown

From sealing their village borders to feeding stray dogs, Goans have joined hands to make the 21-day lockdown a success in the coastal state.

Goa has detected three Covid-19 cases so far and the state started its own testing facility at Goa Medical College and Hospital on Saturday.

In light of the lockdown, several villages have sealed their borders, preventing people from entering and exiting the localities.

Residents of Sonal village in Sattari (North Goa) have put up a wooden gate, whichis manned by youngsters 24/7.

Essential commodities are already made available within the village to ensure that residents don’t step out.

Many have started using vegetables from their kitchen gardens and have stopped relying on imports from neighbouring states, Devendra Gaonkar, a resident of Sattari, said.

Goa has already sealed its borders, affecting the supply of vegetables.

“Everyone has realised that in times of emergency and we can’t take a risk,” he said.

Similarly, residents of Madkai village in Ponda taluka of North Goa have also put up barricades to stop people from entering their village, which is known for its temples.

Meanwhile, many NGOs and good Samaritans have come forward to help stray dogs, who have been left without any food because of the lockdown.

South Goa’s Netravali-based social activist Amit Naik has been travelling with cooked rice across the district feeding strays.

“Stray dogs are the first casualty during lockdown. We have stored essentials at our homes, but these dogs depend on leftovers from restaurants and markets,” he said.

Naik covers a distance of 30 km to Margao, feeding strays along the way.