The district administration, in conjunction with civic bodies, are resorting aggressive measures to thwart the spread of the coronavirus in the steel city by banning pillion riding on two-wheelers and launching a massive campaign to drill into residents that they should only step out of their homes in case of exigencies.

To begin with, police said no pillion riding would be allowed. "From Friday onwards no one will allowed to ride pillion. If anyone has to go anywhere, either walk or hire an auto-rickshaw," deputy superintendent of police (traffic) Shrivendra Kumar told The Telegraph Online.

At the same time, civic bodies like Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC), Mango Notified Area Committee (MNAC) and Jugsalai Municipality launched a massive awareness campaign to highlight the importance of social distancing.

As many as 12 vehicles fitted with loudspeakers dispersed for various localities from the JNAC office. Similar vehicles were pressed into service from Mango and Jugsalai covic offices.

The vehicles played out pre-recorded messages, asking residents not to step out of their homes unless it was urgent. All civic authorities also banned the movement of anyone below 10 or above 60. Everyone was asked to wear masks and use hand sanitisers. Shops were instructed to ensure not more than five persons gathered around, and that strict social distancing was maintained. It was also made clear that anyone flouting these norms would be prosecuted under Section 188 of the IPC.

DSP (traffic) Kumar said only one person wearing a helmet and mask would be allowed to ride two-wheelers. Three persons, including the driver, would be allowed in a car. But all must wear face masks.

Based on these instructions, traffic police fanned out across localities, including Jugsalai, Golmuri, Mango, Sakchi and Bistupur from 10am. They were very strict in dealing with pillion riders. All were asked to get off, even children, women and the elderly weren’t spared.

At several junctions, there were gatherings of people, including women and children, waiting helplessly after they had been told to get off two-wheelers. "My wife is a heart patient. Sh had an appointment with a cardiologist at Baradwari at noon.

What is the point going over to the doctor alone when I cannot take her? I will have to arrange a four-wheeler for consulting the doctor some other day," said an angry Ashok Agrawal, a resident of Sundarnagar who was stopped by the police near Jugsalai thana.

The number of Covid cases in East Singhbhum district has crossed 750. Five persons have died.

"We are worried about the rising numbers. Many coronavirus positive persons don’t seem to have a history. Nether have they come in contact with a patient. That is why we have initiated strict measures,” said district civil surgeon Rajendra Jha.