Chhattisgarh government is considering imposing lockdown from July 21 mainly in the urban areas in the wake of surge in COVID-19 cases at several places, including in the state capital Raipur.<br />''<br />''Last evening,  chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, health minister T S Singhdeo and other ministers had a meeting where it was decided to authorize the district collectors concerned to take a call after assessing the situation for imposing restrictions. There are indications that the lockdowns or restrictions could be for a period not less than seven days in all those places where COVID-19 positive cases have registered a surge.<br />''<br />''However, the state government has directed all district collectors to give at least 72 hours prior notice through local media before imposing any such restrictions to provide sufficient time for the public to make purchases and prevent panic buying.<br />''<br />''CoVID-19 cases have breached 5000 mark in Chhattisgarh with state capital Raipur alone registering more than a thousand positive cases.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Government has made it compulsory for citizens in the state to follow precautionary measures for prevention of COVID-19 infection. The state government has decided to impose a penalty and to take strict action against people for not following the precautionary measures for COVID-19.<br />''<br />''Fine of 100 rupees to be imposed for not wearing a mask in public or spitting in a public place, 1000 rupees on violating home quarantine and 200 rupees for not following the physical distancing norms in commercial establishments.<br />''<br />''<br />