Second Wave of COVID-19 hits Rajashthan; Section 144 imposed in Jaipur till December 20

With more than 3,000 new cases being reported every day since the last few days and the onset of a second wave, Rajasthan is hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. At present, the state's total caseload stands at the 2,47,168 mark, with 24,116 active cases. In order to keep a check on the same, the government has imposed Section 144 in the Pink City till December 20. The administration has also introduced a night curfew in Jaipur along with 7 other districts including Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Udaipur, Alwar, Ajmer and Bhilwara, which are yielding the highest number of fresh cases across the state.

Prevention is better than cure

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The Health Minister himself tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday and has been admitted to the RUHS Hospital in Jaipur. He highlighted that precaution is the only way to save oneself from the pandemic, adding that there are many reasons for the spike in the number of COVID cases. Besides, Municipal corporation polls, panchayat polls, weather change, festivals and marriage season, he highlighted people's careless attitude towards the pandemic to be responsible for the rampant infection spread.

The Health Minister further said that preparations are being made for vaccines, though the medicine will take time to reach the masses, and thus precaution is the only way forward in this battle against COVID-19. He also urged people to wear masks, wash hands, and maintain social distancing to prevent infection contraction.

Several protocols, guidelines and penalties for offenders have also been issued by the state to keep the issue in check. Jaipur will be under the restrictions of Section 144 till December 20, which prohibits the assembly of 4 or more individuals at a particular location. The city will also be observing night curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM, however, emergency services and movement of railways and air travellers have been excluded from this restriction.

On Monday, the state reported 3,232 new Covid-19 cases and 18 deaths, while on Sunday, 3,260 new cases and 17 deaths were reported. Rajasthan has so far reported a total of 2,47,168 Covid cases and 2,181 deaths, health officials reported.