Telangana Is Battle Ready For COVID-19: KCR

CM K Chandrashekhar Rao reassured the people that Telangana was not only among the least affected but was well prepared to tackle any situation.

The CM even before he listed out the measures that were being put in place, spoke at length about the various advantages that the State enjoyed in containing the spread of Covid-19, such as no sea-port and only one international airport, making screening of potential virus carriers that much easier.

But when it came to implementation of the measures, including the closure of educational institutions, sporting events, not permitting mass gatherings, meetings, and pulling down shutters on cinema halls, pubs, bars, and even private clubs, Rao let it be known that the government will not brook any violations. He warned, more than once, that violation would attract severe action from the state government, even cancellation of permits.

The government of Telangana took a balanced and practical approach while dealing with different sections of society, adopting a 2-pronged approach. While imposing a 2-week closure on educational institutions and restricting attendance in marriages to 200 till March 31 for weddings already fixed, the government decided to close down other places of public gathering, mostly in the line of business that have mass gatherings like amusement parks, museums, cinemas, bars, pubs and clubs among others, only for a week, till March 21.

In doing so, the government sent a clear message to businesses that it would not have them shut down for long periods, and would extend their closure only if the situation demanded, and after a review.

The State government’s move on restrictions clearly indicates that the administration does not want the public to get into a panic mode even as it puts in place some hard measures to tackle any eventuality.

Rao, speaking about the State’s preparedness both in terms of funds allocation and medical facilities, said the Chief Secretary would have in his immediate control a Rs 500 crore fund that could be used for any eventuality.

On the medical front, the State has set aside 1,020 beds in exclusive corona isolation wards besides 321 intensive care unit beds, 240 ventilators, and 4 quarantine facilities across the State, which speaks volumes of the State government’s efforts to meet the situation head-on.