Which states have or haven't lifted night curfew? Details here
As the COVID-19 situation is improving in the country, many states have eased the restrictions that were imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus infection, driven by the Omicron variant. Besides reopening schools, colleges, offices, and many public spaces, some states have also lifted night curfews. However, a few states are yet to completely lift the overnight restrictions on movement.
Why does this story matter?
The relaxation in night curfews came as India is witnessing an improvement in its COVID-19 situation. On Tuesday, India reported 27,409 new COVID-19 cases, with a daily positivity rate of 2.23%. Both active caseload and daily positivity rates have been declining over the past few days. Notably, India witnessed a massive spurt in cases in December-end and at the beginning of January.
Night-curfew in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra government has eased COVID-19-related restrictions for 11 municipal corporations, including Mumbai. There will be no more restrictions on night movement in Mumbai. Thus, beaches, parks, and gardens in the city can now remain open as per their usual timings. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also allowed restaurants and theatres to continue operations at 50% capacity as per their usual timings.
Scenario in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
In Karnataka, the night curfew has been withdrawn across the state as COVID-19 cases have come down. The Andhra Pradesh government has also completely lifted the night curfew after a marked decline in the positivity rate. However, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said coronavirus-related norms must be followed at all times and masks must be worn in all public and commercial spaces.
Other states that have withdrawn night curfew
The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has also lifted movement restrictions at night and relaxed several other curbs which were in place for almost a month. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Assam governments have also lifted the night curfew that was imposed weeks ago. Meanwhile, Chandigarh has also lifted several COVID-19 curbs, including the lifting of the night curfew.
Which states have not lifted night curfew?
States that haven't completely withdrawn the night curfew include West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha. However, UP and Gujarat have reduced the timings of night curfew. While it was relaxed by an hour in UP, the night curfew was reduced by two hours in eight major cities of Gujarat. Meanwhile, the Bengal and Odisha governments have extended the night curfew.
Delhi to decide on night curfew in next DDMA meeting
The Delhi government is yet to take a call on the night curfew. Reportedly, a decision in this regard is likely to be taken in the next meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The DDMA, in its meeting on February 4, had extended the night curfew but slashed the timing by an hour from 11 pm to 5 am.
