Gujarat: Doctors’ body proposes lockdown

AHMEDABAD: Even as the state government representatives have been reiterating there will be no lockdown in Gujarat, the state branch of Indian Medical Association has suggested in its submission to Gujarat high court, seeking to impose a two-week lockdown in the state.
“If the state government is not in favour of a lockdown, then it should think of restricting various activities to control people's movement outside their homes,” Dr Devendra Patel, president, IMA, Gujarat chapter, told the High Court.
Patel made suggestions before a division bench of Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Bhargav Karia during an online hearing on a PIL taken up suo motu on overall coronavirus situation in the state.
“The government should completely ban all kind of gatherings, be it social, political or religious. If possible, the government should impose a total lockdown for 14 days. If it is not possible, then put severe restrictions on activities," Patel informed the bench.
Responding to the suggestions, government pleader Manisha Shah said taking a decision about imposing a lockdown is akin to "walking on the edge of sword".
Isolated initiatives of observing a partial or a self-lockdown are being taken by various trade associations, with some announcing curtailing of working hours..