Andhra Pradesh to give ₹1,000, free ration to poor during COVID-19 lockdown

Hyderabad: Announcing its decision to impose a complete lockdown in the state, the Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday said it will provide free ration to poor people and Rs 1,000 to one family at a time in view if the coronavirus outbreak in the state.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy announced closure of inter-state borders for transport till March 31. He also urged people to step out of their homes only for essential needs.

“Public transport within the state and inter-state would be shut while the government will also be run with skeletal staff with employees working in rotation basis,” Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddysaid, adding, “Free ration to the poor and Rs 1000 assistance per family will be given.”

Saying that the situation is relatively better in Andhra, compared to other states, he said that six coronavirus positive cases had been reported so far in the state.

“Of the total six cases in the state, one patient (the first in Nellore) recovered and has been discharged from hospital,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the first coronavirus case was reported in Andhra Pradesh when 24-year-old man tested positive for coronavirus in Krishna district. The man flew from Paris to Delhi on March 15 and then to Hyderabad and Vijayawada on March 17.

On the other hand, the Telangana government announced that it will ensure the availability of all essential services during the lockdown period. As per updates, the Telangana government will provide 12 kg rice free of cost and Rs 1500 to over 87 lakh people holding white ration cards in the state. This announcement was made by Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday evening.