Although we've been granted severe relaxations during this raging pandemic, the Uttar Pradesh government has yet again planned to curb some of our perks for the greater good. After keeping the rising cases of COVID-19 in mind, the state authorities have decided to keep the weekends under complete lockdown, commencing July 18. This directive has come with its own set of rules and regulations.

What's Happening?

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Alarmingly, Lucknow has emerged as the new hotspot of coronavirus cases, surpassing Ghaziabad in the list of most active cases in Uttar Pradesh. So starting from the 18th till the 31st of July, the upcoming weekends in the state will be under a lockdown. This means that all sorts of haats, markets, galla mandis and businesses here in UP, would remain closed during the weekends. On weekdays, they will be allowed to be operational from 9am.

But do take note, essential services will be accessible by all and religious places too, will be kept unbarred. The weekly markets which are otherwise organised on Saturdays and Sundays, will be shifted to the weekday slot. The movement of trains, UPSRTC buses, domestic and international flights, will continue as well.

This July has even marked the maximum number of cases in just about two weeks, which has prompted the authorities to take up such a step. Around 64 new areas in Lucknow have been converted into containment zones, taking the number to 400 in the city and given such stats, this 'weekend lockdown' plan seems like a much-needed course of action.

A message to all our readers

Even though we've been allowed considerable relaxations, we still need to abide by the rules set by the concerned authorities. Social distancing and sanitising are the need of the hour to flatten the curve and there's no alternative to it. The officials in the state have been doing their best to implement the directives issued by medical professionals and as responsible citizens, it's our duty to cooperate. Remember to wash and sanitise yourself religiously and if you notice any discomfort, kindly contact your nearest medical professional at the earliest.