Bengaluru: The Bihar health department has banned spitting in public place, in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. 

Any violation of the government order by the public is punishable with Rs 200 fine or six months imprisonment under Indian Penal Code provisions. This ban is invoked under provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, reports Republic TV. 

The order on the same goes like this: “Spitting after use of tobacco, gutkha, paan masala, bidi and cigarette is completely banned in the state especially at public places such as lanes, roads, government and non-government buildings, police station premises and all health and educational institutions.” 

The order further mentioned thus: “The tendency to spit anywhere in public places puts the health of the public in danger and is the main reason for the spread of communicable diseases. Spitting in open can spread several serious diseases such as COVID-19, encephalitis, and tuberculosis.” 

PM Modi extends lockdown: 

This morning, in a televised address to the nation, PM Modi extended the present lockdown till the 3rd of May, elongating it by a period of 19 days. He also urged the nation to follow social distancing and added that the next one week would be crucial in containing the spread.

Why May 3 and not April 30?

Well, in simple terms, May 1 is a holiday. May 2 is a Saturday and May 3 is a Sunday. The extension has been given so that the lockdown can be followed till the weekend and if lockdown is called off on May 3, people can start afresh starting May 4, which is a Monday.

Moreover, the extension this time, will be for 19 days as against 21 days earlier. So the total number of days will be 21+19=40 days, thereby making it one long stretch for fighting the virus.

This is the logic behind the date.

But again, we must remember that Modi has taken expert opinions on extending the lockdown and would not have jumped to it without much thought process.

He has ensured that the momentum gained in the last 21 days will continue and is harnessed till the 3 weeks.

Another important aspect to note is that the PM kept on stressing that the next one week would be crucial because he fears that community transmission would take place in the next 7 days and wants to prevent it thoroughly.