Strict weekend lockdown in Agra after 43 fresh Covid cases

Agra, Aug 29 The district administration and the police in Agra have strictly enforced the 55-hour-long weekend lockdown, warning people not to move out of their homes except for emergencies after 43 fresh cases were reported in 24 hours.

Road crossings have been barricaded and traffic movement in the city restricted. The Uttar Pradesh health department has directed the local administrations to strictly enforce the lockdown during the weekend as the number of Covid-19 cases started showing signs of a surge again.

The total number od Covid cases in the Taj city is 2,716, including 107 deaths. The number of active cases is 340. So far, 2,269 patients have recovered, at a rate of 83.54 per cent. New cases have been reported from the electricity department, police, and district administrative offices. The municipal corporation office is now being run by only 50 per cent of the staff.

The district health department officials have organised camps to screen people in the mohallas and inner-city areas. Municipal officials said on Saturday that a major cleanliness and sanitation drive will be launched while the markets are closed for the weekend.

District authorities announced that action would be taken if more than five people assembled at any public place. Officials clarified that no decision has been taken regarding the reopening of the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, though smaller monuments would now be opened from September 1.

The tourism industry is keen that the Taj Mahal be reopened as soon as possible so that the hospitality industry could get back on track.

( With inputs from IANS )