Mumbai Police imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in the city with immediate effect. The order prohibits any presence or movement of one or more persons in public places or gathering of any sort anywhere, including religious places to prevent the virus spread. Section 144 will be implemented in the areas under the control of commissioner of police, Greater Mumbai.
“There is a likelihood of spread of the COVID-19 virus through gathering of persons in public or private places and there is grave danger to human life, health or safety. There are sufficient reasons for passing prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to ensure that there is no danger to human life,” the order said.
All movement of one or more persons in the areas designated as ‘containment zone’ by the municipal authorities is prohibited/ Only the essential activities, supply of essential goods and medical deliveries are permitted in the containment areas.
The citizens are asked to maintain stringent social distancing norms at all times. Any person violating the norms will be booke under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
Mumbai is the worst-affected city by coronavirus pandemic in India. The financial capital of India has reported 77,658 coronavirus cases so far. At least, 4,566 people have succumbed to death in the Maximum city. At present, there are 28,924 active COVID-19 patients in the city.
Meanwhile the Maharashtra government decided to use private ambulances and other vehicles to ferry patients to hospitals.
The decision was also taken following complaints that private ambulances are charging exorbitant rates for providing services, said an official release here.
A Government Resolution (GR) or order issued by the Health Department said district administrations will take over private ambulances and other on-hire private vehicles.
As the number of COVID-19 patients is on rise, there is a need for more ambulances, the release said.
Private vehicles on hire, which can be used as ambulances with minor modification, will be requisitioned along with their drivers, the release said.
The requisitioned ambulances and other vehicles will be used for asymptomatic COVID-19 patients or the patients whose condition is not very serious, it said.
District collectors and municipal commissioners will carry out the requisition, the GR said, adding that vehicles would be taken over on lease or monthly rental at the rates fixed by the Regional Transport Office.
