SOP revised in Uttarakhand to battle second COVID-19 wave
With a surge in COVID-19 cases in Uttarakhand which recorded its highest single-day spike in infections on Thursday, the state government issued a revised SOP, making it mandatory for cinema halls, restaurants, bars, and gyms to run at half their capacity. The SOP issued by Chief Secretary Om Prakash also ordered the closure of coaching institutes, swimming pools, and spas in all districts.
Night curfew imposed from 10:30 pm to 5 am
Night curfew will be in force in the state from 10:30 pm to 5 am but employees commuting to their offices in industrial units which work in multiple shifts, besides air, train, and bus passengers moving to their destinations have been kept out of the ambit of the restriction. SOPs issued for Kumbh Mela in January and February this year will remain in effect.
Niranjani Akhada seers will quit Kumbh Mela
According to reports in a section of the press, the Niranjani Akhada seers have decided to call it quits at Kumbh Mela from April 17 because of the abrupt rise in COVID-19 infections in the state with many seers infected as well.
Guidelines have been implemented to ensure everyone's safety: Prakash
"The guidelines have been implemented with immediate effect to ensure the safety of the people of the state amid rising number of COVID-19 cases. With aggressive testing, precautions, and vaccination in place we will come of this pandemic soon," said Prakash. Public transport will also be functioning with 50% capacity till April 30, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Legal action will be taken against the violators
The guidelines released also prohibited public gatherings of more than 200 people including weddings in the state. The guidelines mentioned strict adherence to COVID-19-appropriate behavior including wearing masks and using sanitizer frequently to avoid coronavirus infection, the report said. Legal action will be taken against violators of the safety norms under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, stated the guidelines.
