Mangaluru : As a precautionary measure against spread of Covid-19, Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Dr KV Rajendra on Tuesday announced to impose Section 144 (3) of the CrPC in the district.

The order is aimed at preventing public gatherings and congregation during the upcoming festivals like Ugadi, Shab-e-Barat and Good Friday.

As per the DC’s order, public meetings will not be allowed in open grounds, parks, markets and religious places and jathras and melas have also been banned with immediate effect.

“We have been taking all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the district. We have noticed increase in the cases in the past 15 days. A government order dated March 25 restricts gatherings at public places and shrines and it also prevents holding jathras and melas (fair) during religious festivals,” the DC said.