Amid the persisting threat of coronavirus case rise in Rajasthan, the state administration has decided to stretch the limitations of Section 144 till June 21, across the territory. This procedure code restricts the assembly of more than 5 people in one place to support the norms of social distancing. Imposed on April 22, this order was initially supposed to terminate on May 21. As per reports, the state has ordered an extension of lockdown curbs as well, i.e, closure of offices and markets, as well.
Prolonged lockdown curbs in Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan has ordained a shutdown of all services and markets in Jaipur and other districts to contain the COVID-19 spell. Reportedly, only essential shops and offices will open during the lockdown period. Other services, such as the sale of fruits and vegetables, has also been permitted with restrictions, until 7 PM. Newspaper vendors will be allowed to operate from 4 AM to 8 AM only.
Bazaars, shopping complexes, cinema halls and religious places will remain closed. All education institutes, coaching centres, libraries, social and political programmes and other such events will remain suspended.
There will be no curbs to restrict the movement of government officials, people commuting to and from airports, railway stations, bus stands and metro stations. Those entering Rajasthan from other states will be permitted to do so only if they produce a negative COVID RT-PCR test report, conducted 72 hours before the travel.
Similarly, electronic and print media will be exempted from the lockdown restrictions by the authority of their ID cards. All factories and manufacturing units will also remain functional. NREGA projects will also continue to ensure workers get regular jobs.
COVID-19 spread in Jaipur
State capital Jaipur has received the sharpest blows of the coronavirus attack, making it the worst-hit region in Rajasthan. On Wednesday, about 2,338 fresh tallies were detected in the district, reportedly the highest in the state. Recovery boosted by 4,167 discharges in the past 24 hours along with 37 deaths. Jaipur presently nurses an active caseload of 32,232 infections.
