The Prime Minister has taken serious note of the growing number of Covid-19 cases in Gujarat and has instructed the government to take strict action and take decisions with specific guidelines. In view of this, overcrowded businesses in four major cities of Gujarat might be stopped in the coming days. In particular, tea and pan shops may be closed; the borders of Gujarat may also be sealed and in some cases, it may be decided not to allow entry without a test.
After Diwali in Gujarat, the Supreme Court took cognizance of the sudden increase in Covid-19 cases and slammed the government. Within hours of the Supreme Court’s reprimand, the state government reversed its decision to allow marriages and ordered 100 people to be invited instead of 200. However, not only marriages, but also other businesses, especially the tea stalls, are being shut down. In addition, speculation is rife that the state borders will be sealed. Meetings have started in the government to take these tough decisions and the order can be released at any time.
The government may still take important decisions in the coming days after cutting attendance at weddings and funerals, with the first step being to close tea stalls. Despite repeated appeals by the government as well as local bodies to abide by the rules on masks and social distance, crowds continued to gather at tea stalls. Despite the measures taken by the system, including shop sealing and fines, it does not seem to have made any difference. The possibility of the government temporarily closing tea stalls cannot be ruled out.
Due to alleged negligence and irresponsible attitude, the total number of Covid-19 cases in Gujarat has crossed the 2-lakh mark. The first case was reported in the state on 19 March. Attempts were then made to curb the growing contagion of Covid-19 by enforcing lockdowns and curfews, but cases have reached the 2-lakh mark as on date.
The first one lakh cases were reported in 167 days i.e. an average of 601 cases per day, while the next 1 lakh cases have been reported in just 82 days i.e. an average of 1,201 cases have been reported daily.