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AHMEDABAD: Gujarat on Sunday joined other Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Karnataka to close down the schools and colleges till March 29 as a precaution against Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19. While the state has recorded close to 80 suspected cases, there is no positive case so far, but the step is part of precaution, said the state officials.Anil Mukim, chief secretary of Gujarat, on Sunday told media that after a high-level meeting convened by the CM Vijay Rupani and deputy CM Nitin Patel, the decision has been taken to close the schools, colleges and educational institutes for two weeks.“In view of the advisory by the centre and state, it’s been decided to close the schools and colleges as a matter of precaution. The ongoing board exams for class X and XII would not be affected by the move,” Mukim told media.The chief secretary also mentioned that malls, multiplexes and swimming pools across the state would also be closed for the same period.In a major move, the state government has advised governing bodies – municipal corporations, municipalities, nagarpalika and gram panchayat – to impose fine of Rs 500 on public spitting . “It’s established that the viral infection spreads through droplets. The decision is taken to stop the practice harmful for public health,” said Mukim.Jayanti Ravi, principal secretary (health), said that there is not a single positive case of COVID-19 in the state but the steps are to ensure that there are minimal chances of infection. “We have requested the citizens to wash hands frequently and properly, avoid organizing public gatherings and contact helpline in case of any symptoms associated with COVID-19,” she said.Senior state officials said that an appeal has been made to all state-based socio-religious organizations to postpone their major gatherings till end of March as a matter of caution. Many city markets reported drastic fall in visitors despite Sunday being a busy day.Bhaskar Patel, president of All Gujarat School Administrators’ Association, said that the move would surely affect the academic calendar. “About 10% of the course is still to be taught. The schools would have to devise ways to cover it. Moreover, this is the first year of the state’s ambitious plan to start the next academic year’s session. It would take a hit due to loss of the fortnight,” he said.Likewise, owners and administrators of malls and multiplexes in Ahmedabad are also to take stock of the situation. “It will surely hit the business. Several of the establishments are already taking precautions such as providing masks to any person having health issues and installation of hand sanitizers at the entrance. We are yet to study the notification,” said administrator of a city-based mall.