Madikeri: On the first day of the weekly five day complete lockdown, the hilly district of Kodagu came to a grinding halt after 12 noon on Tuesday as all shops and establishments were shut.

Due to sudden spike in COVID -19 cases in the district, the Kodagu district administration had ordered total lockdown in the district for five days a week for two weeks starting from May 4, allowing only provision stores and other essentials shops and services  to open from 6 am till 12 noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. The district will completely shut down on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. However, essential services like milk supply and newspaper distribution have been allowed on all days.

On the first day of lockdown on Tuesday, only permitted shops were allowed to open from 6 am to 12 noon. People were seen queuing up in front of shops to buy essentials and groceries. With the members of the public crowding shops from 6 am,  many major roads of Madikeri town witnessed traffic jams at junctions such as General Thimayya Circle, I B Circle, College Road Junction  etc.,

Soon as the 12 noon deadline ended, Police swung into action and closed shops which continued with business. With the closure of shops, traffic on the roads eased, following which the Police erected barricades to prevent unnecessary  movement on roads. However, only vehicles that were engaged in emergency and essential services were allowed to travel.

After 12 noon, Police stopped entry of vehicles to Madikeri at General Thimayya Circle itself. Police were also seen penalising people  who were not wearing face mask. 

However, vehicles transporting milk, fruits, vegetables, cooking gas etc., were allowed to travel.  Also, medical shops and petrol bunks were permitted to open.