Jharkhand extends lockdown-like restrictions till May 27
The Jharkhand government on Wednesday extended the lockdown-like restrictions with stricter provisions, including seven days mandatory quarantine for people visiting the state, till May 27 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. The cap on people attending weddings has been fixed at 11, lower than the earlier guideline of 50 persons. However, marriages can be conducted either at homes or at courts.
Restrictions were first imposed on April 22
The restrictions, first imposed on April 22 were extended till May 13 and now stand further extended till May 27 with harsh provisions. The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Total 4,085 people have lost their lives in the state
Jharkhand, facing the deadly second wave of COVID-19, on Wednesday reported 103 more coronavirus deaths, raising the toll to 4,085 with maximum fatalities being reported from the state capital Ranchi. The curbs imposed as Health Safety Week from May 16 will have firm conditions while previous restrictions that were announced till May 13 will now continue till May 16, an official said.
Mandatory seven-day home or institutional quarantine for visitors
"The new restrictions include mandatory seven-day home or institutional quarantine for people visiting the state," a state government official said. However, the restrictions do not apply to those who will leave the state within 72 hours. Operations of inter-state and intra-state buses have been suspended while private vehicles will have to obtain e-passes for plying.
Attendance at weddings has been capped at 11
The official said that the number of people attending weddings has been fixed at 11, down from earlier 50 persons with a provision that marriages can be conducted either at homes or at courts. Organizing any ceremony during weddings will be prohibited, the official added. There have been a number of auspicious dates for marriage during the period.
Gathering of over five persons indoors and outdoors prohibited
Under the stricter provisions, social distancing norms will be implemented strictly. The state has already prohibited all indoor and outdoor congregations of more than five persons. The restrictions first imposed as Health Safety Week till April 28 had been expanded earlier till May 6 and then till May 13. All education centers and coaching institutions were closed and all examinations postponed.
The state's COVID-19 tally has climbed to 2,96,895
Cinema halls, multiplexes, stadiums, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and parks, among others, had also been closed. The state's COVID-19 cases have climbed to 2,96,895 with 4,365 fresh cases. The mineral-rich state now has 54,533 active cases, and 2,38,277 people have recovered so far, it said. Ranchi district recorded the maximum number of fresh fatalities at 36, followed by East Singhbhum (14) and Dhanbad (10).
