Reacting to reports from various parts of the state on doctors and medical staff being pressured by landlords and neighbours to vacate houses for treating coronavirus patients, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi directed Director General of Police HC Awasthi to initiate stern action against such persons.

He also stressed on extending security to doctors and medical staff in case they sought assistance.

In a letter to DGP on Wednesday, Awasthi wrote that it had come to notice that doctors and medical staff engaged in treating coronavirus patients were being harassed by their neighbours.

“In some cases, landlords are pressurising them to leave the rented premises. I have been directed to ask you to stop such incidents from taking place and to provide security to doctors and medical staff if needed,” Awasthi said.

Meanwhile, DGP HC Awasthi said that 6,044 barriers had been erected across the state to enforce complete lockdown. He said on Wednesday, over two lakh vehicles were checked and fines amounting to Rs 10 lakh was realised from errants and 49,074 vehicles were challaned by the police.

Besides, he said, 3,679 vehicles were seized and 2,089 persons were booked for violating prohibitory orders.

Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed people to not panic, after the announcement of 21-day lockdown across the country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Yogi said that the state had earmarked 10,000 vehicles for home delivery of essentials, if needed.

“I appeal to you to not go to markets to buy essentials as it is in the interest of the safety of you, your family and friends. We have enough stocks of all essentials like milk, vegetables, medicines. People should not go out and should practice social distancing,” Yogi said.

Meanwhile, the UP government issued new guidelines to be followed by people during lockdown. People providing essential services will be issued permits from local administration to facilitate their movement.