The Uttarakhand government has ordered the closing of markets in urban areas, with the exception of shops selling vital goods, from 2 p.m. onwards, as well as a change in the curfew time across the state from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The order, aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, takes effect on Wednesday, according to Chief Secretary Om Prakash.
“The night curfew timing has been extended for all 13 jurisdictions from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. to 7 p.m.-5 a.m.,” it stated.
According to him, the order of shutting shops and commercial outlets also extends to shopping malls.
Given the possibility of people from Uttarakhand citizens employed in Delhi returning home following the national capital’s six-day shutdown, online registration and a negative RT-PCR test record no older than 72 hours have been made mandatory for returnees.
Except for the ongoing Kumbh Mela, where the previously stated restrictions will remain in place, no more than 100 people will assemble for worship, political, or social functions, according to the new SOPs.
It mandates the closing of all swimming pools and spas in all districts. Religious, political, and social gatherings would be strictly banned in containment and micro-containment areas.
Schools, institutes, and coaching centres have also been closed. The updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) also require all modes of public transportation, including buses and auto rickshaws, as well as services such as cinema halls, restaurants, pubs, and gyms to operate at half capacity.
On Tuesday, Uttarakhand had the largest number of COVID-19 infections in a single day, with 3,012 people reporting positive for the infection.
