Jaipur, May 7 (IANS): The state government has sealed its interstate borders to stop the entry of unauthorised people for checking the spread of COVID-19 virus in the state.

The announcement was made on late Wednesday night after a review meeting here called by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The meeting was attended by state Health Minister Raghu Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary Home Rajeeva Swarup, Director General Police Bhupendra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Rohit Kumar and other officials.

Addressing the meeting, Gehlot said that there has been a sharp rise in the number of corona cases in many states in the last few days. Around 10,000 cases were registered across the nation in just last three days.

"This decision to seal interstate borders is being taken looking into the possibilities of a large number of people sneaking into the state without permission. Protecting the lives of our people is our top most priority in this hour of crisis," he said during the meeting.

Gehlot further stated that the interstate movement will be permitted as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Chief Minister said that he has directed the chief secretary to inform the chief secretaries of other states that movement in Rajasthan will be permitted for those following all guidelines and taking prior approval from the state.

A person shall be permitted to travel out of the state with the recommendation of the respective District Collector, he added.

The Collector has rights to issue an e-pass, which has to be given to the Home Department the same day, in case of a medical emergency or death in the family.

Even the other states can issue permits for Rajasthan, once they get prior approval from the state government.

In case of foreign returnees found violating the 14-day home isolation, they shall be kept under government quarantine and an FIR shall be registered against them, said the Chief Minister.