UP eases curbs in districts with less than 600 active cases

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to relax restrictions in districts that currently have less than 600 active Covid cases starting June 1. However, weekend and night curfew will remain imposed across the state. Night curfew will be imposed from 7 pm to 7 am. Markets out of containment zones will be allowed to open from 7 am to 7 pm for five days during the week in districts that have less than 600 active Covid-19 cases. Government offices will open with 50 per cent attendance on a rotational basis. Private offices can open but Covid-appropriate behaviour must be followed and work-from-home is still encouraged where possible.  Private establishments have been asked to encourage employees to work from home.

Twenty cities including Lucknow, Moradabad and Meerut will continue to be under week-long lockdown until the number of active cases falls below 600. School, colleges and other educational institutions will continue to remain shut, says the notification, adding that offices in these institutions can open for administrative work. At religious places, not more than five people will be allowed at any point of time. Restaurants will only operate via home delivery. Only those food stalls and dhabas that are located on highways/expressways will be allowed to open for dine-in services, provided Covid safety protocol is followed.

State transport buses will be allowed to operate with as many passengers as seats and in adherence to Covid protocols.The notification says that Covid helpdesks with infrared thermometers, pulse oximeters and hand sanitisers must be set up in private offices, industrial units, airport, railway stations, bus terminals and vegetable markets.At airports, railway stations and bus terminals, the helpdesks must also have Covid screening and testing facilities.