With number of COVID-19 cases going up, Uttara Kannada DC declares medical emergency in Bhatkal

Bhatkal: 27 March,2020 (Bhatkallys News Service) With the number of cases of Corona Virus in Bhatkal Taluk slowly climbing up, Uttara Kannada District Administration on Friday declared medical health emergency in Bhatkal Taluk. The order was issued by Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr. Harish Kumar using his special powers under section 34 of Disaster Management Act 2005. The emergency has been declared under the limits of Bhatkal Town Municipal Council, Jali Patan Panchayath, Shirali Gram Panchayath, Heble Gram Panchayath, Mavinkurve Gram Panchayath, Mundalli Gram Panchayath, Yalvadikavoor Gram Panchayath and Mutalli Gram Panchayath with immediate effect until further orders, the official release from the office of the Deputy Commissioner stated. The order also added that the District Disaster Management Authority was satisfied that the District was threatned by the spread of Corona virus and it was necessary to take effective measures to prevent the spread across the district and for the mitigation of the threatening disaster situation. All the shops including the essentials like food, vegetables and medical stores have been asked to remain closed as the town witnessed a deserted look on Friday afternoon. The administration has informed that in cases of extreme emergency, the authorities will arrange the supply of medicines to the people and that they can contact the helpline number 104 for assistance. Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner, Bharat also added that strictest action will be initiated against those who fail to follow the orders of the lockdown and section 144 along with the latest medical emergency that has been declared in the Taluk. Earlier, reports of Police lathi charge of people on the streets were also doing rounds on local social media groups.