While addressing the Panchayat Pradhans of Seraj Vidhan Sabha area of Mandi district through video conferencing from Shimla, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur asked them to ensure that the people of their respective areas, coming back home from different parts of the country, strictly follow the norms of home quarantine and social distancing.Jai Ram Thakur said that the Panchayat Pradhans should also motivate the family members of the person coming home from other parts of the country, to adhere the norms of social distancing within the family as well. He said that the person should be asked to use separate washroom and in case not possible the same should be properly sanitised after use. He said that the party workers should also motivate the people to avoid any kind of social and religious gatherings. He said that this could be risky in catching the virus.Chief Minister said that the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions must ensure that those visiting the village do not jump the home quarantine.
He said that the people must also be sensitized of steps taken to check spread of this pandemic and also be motivated to use face mask and face covers.Jai Ram Thakur said that the Panchayat Pradhans must also ensure that the fight was against the COVID-19 virus and not against any person suffering from this disease. He said that it must be ensured not no social stigma was associated with this virus. He said that the Government has allowed the Public Works Department and Jal Shakti Vibhag to start work in their jurisdiction by effectively maintaining social distancing.Chief Minister said that works under MNREGA must be carried out smoothly and expeditiously, but at the same time proper social distancing must be maintained. He said that steps must also be taken to sanitise local markets and public places and shopkeepers must be asked to wear face masks and maintain social distancing in their shops.Jai Ram Thakur said the State Government was ensuring adequate arrangements for smooth transportation of agriculture produces to the markets.Pradhans of various panchayats also spoke on the occasion.