AHMEDABAD: In the wake of the third Covid-19 surge in Gujarat, the state government ordered extension of night curfew in four major cities of Gujarat — Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot. From March 17-31, the curfew has been prolonged by two hours and will now be effective from 10 pm to 6 am.
The decision struck a discordant note with restaurant owners and traders who cried foul saying that it will impact their businesses adversely. Narendra Somani, president, Hotels and Restaurants’ Association (HRA) – Gujarat, said, “The restaurant industry has been bearing the brunt of the government’s curfew decision from the start. When the industry had started showing revival signs, the extension of night curfew timings will again affect the revenues.”
The state on Tuesday recorded 954 new cases of Covid-19 taking the total number to 2.8 lakh. Two deaths, both in Ahmedabad, were also reported. Surat reported 263 cases while Ahmedabad recorded 241.
Many Covid-19 cases were reported from educational institutions. On Tuesday, of the total 263 cases reported in Surat, 39 Covid-19 cases were reported from schools and colleges.
In Vadodara, 10 teachers and one student are currently undergoing treatment for Covid-19 after their samples for coronavirus tested positive. In all, 25 teachers have tested positive ever since the schools reopened.
In the wake of rising numbers, Surat Municipal Corporation slapped a slew of curbs including closing down of all public gardens and taking off as many as 300 public transport buses off the city roads. The Sarthana Nature Park and Zoo too was ordered shut for public till further orders.
The SMC also mandated weekly testing of people associated with textile and diamond industries. “Daily checking with a pulse oximeter (to measure oxygen saturation level) will also be mandatory,” stated the SMC release.