Madhya Pradesh administration, in view of the receding COVID cases, has awarded a set of new relaxations, effective today onwards. All markets in Indore and other MP districts will now be permitted to operate till 10 PM, each day. The staggered timings will categorically reduce overcrowding in market areas, especially during closing hours. Besides, cinema halls have been permitted to function at 50% capacity while hotels have received a nod to operate at 100% potential.
Need to adhere to COVID norms while enjoying relaxations
As per reports, these curbs were eased by the Chief Minister after a state-wide review meeting conducted on Monday. He highlighted the controlled rate of infection rise in the state while finalising his decision. Consequently, in a new set of relaxed guidelines granted by the Madhya Pradesh administration, around 100 guests are now permitted to attend a wedding ceremony, instead of the earlier permitted count of 50. Similarly, around 50 people can now attend a funeral across the state.
The Chief Minister on Monday reiterated the need to remain alert in wake of the anticipated rise of the ‘third wave’ of coronavirus. While the infection rate is rising in southern and northeastern states in the country, Maharashtra and Kerala are witnessing a continued stretch of spread, he stated.
Moreover, the chances of another spike are expected around August, which calls for necessary proactive actions from the officers and ministers in-charge. They must encourage the public to adhere to COVID protocols with responsibility, as they enjoy the relaxations, the CM added.
Focused COVID control strategy for Indore & Bhopal
The Chief Minister further ordained for the implementation of focused transmission control strategies in Bhopal and Indore. These districts are more commercial than other regions in the state and witness an increased influx of intrastate and interstate travellers every day. As such, the chances of infection rise are higher here.
On Monday, the state recorded around 18 new COVID cases here, with the highest of 8 infections in Bhopal. Indore logged in 3 new detections in the last 24 hours, which now load over as active cases in the district. It is also noteworthy that Indore has not reported even a single COVID death since the beginning of July, marking a solid COVID recovery trend.
