MUMBAI: The State government has prepared a plan to create awareness among people about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) precautionary measures. To implement the plan the government allocated Rs 3.15 crore for the awareness campaign.

The amount will be spent to carry out a massive awareness campaign in print and electronic media and through posters and hoardings. A special train with messages on measures to tackle coronavirus painted on it will conduct trips across the State.

According to the notification by the Department of Public Health, the government has cleared the media plan prepared by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations on steps being taken to curb coronavirus outbreak by focusing on health education and awareness.

As per the media plan, the government plans to spend Rs 1 crore on advertisements in ‘A’ grade newspapers, Rs 1 crore on 11 private TV entertainment and news channels by inserting 60 second advertisements, Rs 17.5 lakh on 60 second jingles on private FM Radio channels.

The government will also spend Rs 17.5 lakh on advertisements on Akashwani during news breaks. The government proposes to use social media including Facebook and Twitter and bulk SMS by spending Rs 12 lakh.

However, Chief Minister  Uddhav Thackeray said the government will put out hoardings and posters across the State to make citizens aware of dos and don’ts to control spread of coronavirus  (COVID-19). The government will spend Rs 43.5 lakh for this purpose.

These advertisements will be displayed on MSRTC buses, bus stands and on the rear of seats on buses.