From Delhi to Karnataka, Kerala and Goa, new COVID-19 restrictions, relaxations in place

From Delhi to Karnataka, Kerala and Goa, new COVID-19 restrictions, relaxations in place

Many states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Goa have extended the COVID-induced lockdown or other restrictions for a week to a fortnight.

Delhi has extended the coronavirus curfew till June 7, even as it allowed relaxations for certain businesses like manufacturing. As Zee News reported, the guidelines instruct companies to resume business but strict adherence to COVID-19 precautions and stagger shifts is necessary; in addition, special e-passes were also issued for those working in grocery stores, engaged in delivery of food, restaurant staff (only delivery), courier services etc.

COVID-appropriate behaviour will be strictly followed by all workers and employees. Provision of thermal screening, use of hand wash and sanitizers preferably with touch free mechanism will be arranged at all entry and exist points and common areas of the workplace.

From Delhi to Karnataka, Kerala and Goa, new COVID-19 restrictions, relaxations in place
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On Saturday, Delhi had recorded 956 fresh COVID-19 cases, the lowest in over two months, and 122 more fatalities from the infection, while the positivity rate slumped to 1.19 per cent, according to data shared by the health department. This is the first time the cases count has gone below the 1,000-mark since March 22 when the tally was 888. On March 21, 823 cases were recorded.

Amid a slow plateau in national cases, other states too have extended lockdowns and restrictions. Many states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Goa have extended the COVID-induced lockdown or other restrictions for a week to a fortnight.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday announced the extension of the shutdown till June 9, while Puducherry government also decided to continue the lockdown till June 7. Tamil Nadu has already extended the lockdown till June 7. "Although the prevalence of the disease is declining significantly in the state, we have not yet reached a stage to remove restrictions. The lockdown will continue in all districts from May 31 to June 9," Vijayan said.

Kerala has been under lockdown since May 8 following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. As per the new lockdown guidelines, some concessions will be given to perform essential activities. All industrial establishments (including coir, cashew, etc) can function with minimum employees not exceeding 50 per cent of total strength. Banks will remain open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with extended timings till 5 pm. Shops selling education books, textiles for weddings, jewellery and footwear will be open till 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Toddy sale will be allowed in parcels, following the COVID protocol.

Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said the question of extending the lockdown may not arise if the public cooperated and there is a decline in COVID-19 cases. These would be the factors that would determine the state government's decision on the lockdown, which will continue till June 7.

Maharashtra government has extended lockdown-like restrictions, which came into force on April 14, by another 15 days. They were to end on June 1.

The Goa government on Saturday decided to extend the ongoing "corona curfew" by another week till June 7.

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Though the Madhya Pradesh government has approved a phase-wise unlocking of the "corona curfew" restrictions beginning June 1, the weekend lockdown will continue to be in force across the state, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said. There will be separate sets of unlocking guidelines for the places having the COVID-19 positivity rate above five er cent and below 5 per cent, he said. Chouhan said cultural, political, social, sports, fairs and entertainment activities will not be allowed. He said school, colleges, educational institutions, cinema halls, shopping malls, theatre, auditoriums and picnic spots will continue to remain closed.

In Andhra Pradesh, the month-long COVID-19 restrictions in Tirupati and the entire Chittoor district would be further intensified and extended for a fortnight from June 1 to June 15 in view of COVID-19 cases.

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