UP govt eases Covid curbs in districts less than 600 cases

The restrictions would continue in at least twenty districts where the active case count is higher. These include major cities such as Lucknow, Noida and Ghaziabad fall in these districts.

According to a government order, markets in districts where there are less than 600 active cases can now open from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays but weekend curfew will continue and during this closure market areas will be sanitised in both urban and rural areas.

Shopowners, staff and customers of establishments opening up for business have to strictly follow Covid protocols such as social distancing and wearing of masks and flouting the rules will invite action.

Vegetable markets in congested areas will be relocated to open spots by the administration, the government notification said.

The government departments operating on the frontline can work with full attendance while other departments have been asked to function at 50 per cent capacity in offices.

Industrial units and private offices have been given a go-ahead to open in strict adherence to Covid protocols. However, they have been asked to encourage employees to work from home.

In private offices, industrial units, airports, railway stations, bus terminals and vegetable markets, Covid helpdesks with infrared thermometers, pulse oximeters and hand sanitisers have to be set up, the notification said.

Covid screening and testing facilities have to be added in Covid help desks in airports and railway stations.

State transport buses can run with passengers not exceeding the number of seats and in adherence to Covid protocols.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions will not open but their offices can open for administrative work.