Assam Government Announces Weekend Lockdown Until August 14, Here’s What Is Allowed and What’s Not

New Delhi: Assam has reported over 48,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which nearly 14,000 cases are active, while 115 people have died so far. With the aim to further control the spread of the virus, the state has issued guidelines, where only a handful of activities are permissible in the state during the week, while observing a partial, weekend lockdown for two weeks until August 14.

Malls and gymnasiums are allowed to operate only during the week, i.e., between Monday to Friday.

The state government in a recent statement said that the lockdown measures have been taken after due consideration of the COVID situation as it prevails in the state of Assam and taking into account latest directives issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The guidelines further state that all permitted activities, like malls, gyms, shopping complex, restaurants, among others, shall continue to be allowed between 7 AM and 5 PM between Monday and Friday, subject to opening of only one side of the street, on alternate days.

Malls and gymnasiums are allowed to operate between Monday and Friday on the same side of the street on which other shops are allowed in Kamrup Metropolitan District and both sides in case of all other districts, it read.

Also Read: Faith Leaders Urge People To Fight For Removing Stigma Around COVID-19

Restaurants and other hospitality services will function on all days except Saturday and Sunday, and follow COVID protocols of compulsory masks and social distancing.

Hotels are allowed to operate with strict maintenance of COVID protocols.

When it comes to Inter-district movement of people, it can only take place twice a week, i.e., on Monday and Tuesday only. No separate permission, approval or e-permit will be required for inter-district movement, said the guidelines by Assam government.

Furthermore, all Central and State Government offices including banks, insurance companies, etc will be operating during the weekdays, with 100 per cent attendance with an exception of pregnant women.

Point to point buses will be operated for the staff, added the guidelines.

Moreover, non-contact sports in open space is permitted in the state, in compliance with the social distancing norms.

Also Read: Spike In COVID-19 Cases Expected, Ready To Deal With It: Assam Health Minister

Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places of public gathering shall remain closed through the week.

Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, religious functions and other large congregations will remain closed, these include schools and colleges as well.

The night curfew, will be in effect in the state, wherein movement of individuals are strictly prohibited between 6 PM and 6 AM.

On Saturday and Sunday as well, no individuals are allowed movement in the state, at any time, barring essential activities.

People above 65 years of age and children below the age of ten years are advised to stay indoors except for unavoidable health reasons. Wearing of face masks is compulsory in public places, in workplaces and during transportation, the recent guidelines also added.

Also Read: 5-Year-Old Delhi Girl Illustrates A Book On Coronavirus, Raises Rs. 1 Lakh To Help The Poor During Lockdown

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.