In the wake of the alarming COVID rise in Rajasthan, especially in Jaipur, the state government has ordained a 15-day lockdown with moderations, with effect from April 19, 2021. Imposed as the public disciplining power, the restrictions would be observed as ‘Anushsan Pakwara’ across the state until 5 AM on May 3. Reportedly, all services except those deemed essential will remain closed during this period.
Guidelines of the ‘Anushsan Pakwara’
The lockdown restrictions and relaxations are as follows:
All markers, restaurants and non-essential shops to remain shuts. Markets and other general activities will also be restricted during this period. This shutdown will extend to cinema halls, multiplexed and amusement parks as well. Essential service workers have been exempted from the restrictions. Similarly, grocery and milk ships have been permitted to open till 5 PM, each day while fruit, vegetable vendors can operate till 7 PM.
Electronic and print media personnel, reporters and staff are also exempted by authority of their identity or press cards. Vendors will also be allowed to distribute newspapers from 4 AM to 8 AM. All educational institutes and coaching centres will remain shut till April 3, however, exams will be conducted as the prior schedule. Students appearing for these assessments are allowed to step out, during examination hours
The state has also issued strict travelling protocols for all commuters entering Rajasthan. It is compulsory for all travellers to show a negative COVID RT-PCR test issued 72 hours before travel. Public movement will be monitored and the number of guests in private functions, weddings and other social gatherings has been capped at 50. Only 20 people are allowed to attend a funeral. The general public can step out to get the COVID vaccine but have to carry their vaccine registration and ID proof.
The present COVID-19 status:
On Sunday, 1963 new coronavirus cases were reported in Jaipur, marking its highest single-day spike ever. With this, the count of COVID infections here has surged to 75,739 confirmed and 13,030 active cases; the highest across Rajasthan. About 258 recoveries and 4 deaths were also reported here in the last 24 hours taking the recovered tallies to 62,153 and the toll to 556 casualties. At the state level, about 10,262 cases were recorded, raising the active tallies to 67,135 cases.
