JNS: In view of the consistent rise in COVID-19 cases across Jharkhand, the state government has imposed few restrictions to curb the spike. Schools, parks, gymnasiums, exhibitions, fairs, sports events will not function; the restrictions will be effective from 8 April to 30 April.
The decision has been taken in a meeting with the senior officials of the state disaster management authority chaired by chief minister Hemant Soren. A notification has been released by the State Home Prison and Disaster Management Department stating several restrictions on Tuesday.
Soren appealed mass to follow the government guidelines, use masks and maintain social distancing. “Stiff decisions would be taken if COVID-19 cases continue to rise,” warned Soren.
The government has imposed a ban on all kinds of processions, fairs and exhibitions until further notice. All sports events shall also remain prohibited until further notice, the notification stated, clarifying that sportspersons would still be allowed to train in the various facilities, including gyms and swimming pools.
All social gatherings other than marriages and last rites are prohibited. “All indoor and outdoor congregations are prohibited in the state with the exception of marriage functions with the upper limit of 200 persons and last rites with the upper limit of 50 persons,” it stated in the notification.
Shops, restaurants, bars and clubs have been restricted to open after 8 pm. However, take-home and home delivery of food from restaurants have been permitted.
The number of persons gathering at religious places shall not exceed 50 per cent of the accommodation capacity, it said.
People will not be allowed to enter government offices, airports, railway stations, bus stands and places of worship without a facemask.
All schools shall be closed and education shall be provided online. Offline classes for Class 10 and 12 students who shall be taking the board examinations in the year 2021 are permitted. The offline classes shall not be mandatory, and students shall attend only with the consent of their parents.
Notably, Jharkhand recorded 1,264 new cases of COVID-19, with four deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the state health department, there are reportedly 6,844 active cases in the state.
