VARANASI: Exercising powers under the Epidemic Act and National Disaster Management Act, district magistrate Varanasi Kaushal Raj Sharma has imposed restrictions in
public places in the district following an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases. The restrictions would be effective from April 12 to April 30.
According to the DM, all public parks and stadiums will remain closed after 4pm and will be opened at 6am. No one will be allowed to enter parks and stadiums after 4pm and before 6am. Similarly, movement of the general public at all the ghats have also been restricted during this period. Only priests engaged in Ganga aarti, boatmen and tourists intending boat ride, and people going for cremation will be exempted from the restriction. Tourists will not be allowed to stay at the ghats, they can pass through the ghats only for boat rides.
For religious and social functions in halls, only 50% of the capacity upto 50 persons will be allowed to attend the functions following strict
Covid protocol. In an open place, maximum 100 persons will be allowed for gatherings.
The movement of the general public will be restricted from 9pm to 6am. The restrictions will also be effective on religious places, and no one will be allowed to go to religious places during this period. Every individual is required to use face masks and follow social distancing.
The DM has also ordered for the constitution of 104 teams of magistrates and police personnel in 26 police station areas for effective control on the spread of coronavirus infection in the district. Each police station area has four teams, and each team has two sector magistrates, a sub-inspector and two constables.
These teams will remain mobile in their respective police station areas and keep a constant watch on the markets, shopping complexes, malls, restaurants, hotels and other commercial establishments. They will ensure the implementation of Covid protocol at government, semi-government, private offices and among the general public. The teams will also ensure distribution of face masks, and strict actions against the violators of Covid protocol.