The Assam government on Wednesday imposed stricter restrictions in the wake of increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the state. The government issues fresh set of Covid protocols to contain the rapidly spreading infection.
The order issued by Assam Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua has directed all offices, places of worship and weekly markets to remain shut for 15 days in the cities. The order has also banned the movement of people from 2 PM to 5 AM.
The official order said the positivity rate of Covid-19 cases in the urban and adjacent areas has shown a significant surge during the last few days and requires stricter containment measures. The directives, which will be applicable in respect of urban and adjacent areas within a 5 km radius from the periphery of municipal corporation/municipal boards/revenue towns, shall come into force with effect from 5 AM on May 13, 2021, until further orders, said the government order.
All educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities must provide quality virtual options. No physical classes will be allowed for 15 days.
Who all will be exempted from restrictions?
Essential and emergency services, law enforcement services and election works will be exempted from the restrictions.
Government officers and senior executive in the private sector along with their key support staff will be allowed to attend office upto 1 PM only for emergency and essential works, the order stated.
Marriages and religious functions will be allowed with the presence of a maximum of 10 people.
All public transport will be allowed with 30 per cent of seating capacity, while auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, taxis shall operate with one driver and two passengers only.
Pillion riding will be totally prohibited in two-wheelers except with women and children. All vehicles other than government vehicles will be allowed to ply in accordance with an odd-even formula to be decided by the jurisdictional district disaster management authority between 5 AM to 2 PM, the order stated.
Not more than 10 people will be allowed to gather for a funeral or last rites.
What did Himanta Biswa Sarma say on Covid-19 in April?
Before getting elected as the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa, in April, had said the people of Assam need not wear masks as a protective measure against Covid-19 because the deadly virus is no more in the state.
If people wear masks, how will beauty parlours run? If Covid-19 posed threat again, people will be asked to wear mask again. Violation then will attract a fine of Rs 500, he had said.
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Assam on Wednesday reported 6,258 new cases of Covid-19 and 85 patients succumbed to the deadly virus infection.