Night curfew imposed in UP districts, amid rising COVID-19 cases in the state

The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday announced night curfew in all districts with over 100 daily cases or with more than 500 active Covid-19 cases amid an alarming rise in infections. The new restrictions will be in place till 30 April. The districts that have been recording over 100 daily cases or with 500 active cases will be placed under night curfew, according to a statement issued by the UP government. The decision was taken at the meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. The densely-populated state on Saturday reported 12,787 new COVID-19 cases and  48 more fatalities that took the state's infection tally to 6,76,739 and death toll to 9,085. The government has also decided to shut schools until the end of the month. "Classes of all the government/non-government schools from classes 1 to 12 will remain close in the state until April 30. 

Coaching centers will be closed. Pre-scheduled examinations may take place during this period. Teachers and other staff can be present as per the requirement," the statement read. The state has set a daily target to conduct 1 lakh RT-PCR tests daily to identify people who have contracted the deadly virus. People found violating COVID-19 related protocol and those not wearing masks must be penalised, the statement said. All government and private offices must follow safety norms and should have COVID-19 helpdesks, it added. The Uttar Pradesh government has also barred the entry of not more than five people in religious places, considering the rising cases in the state.  Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given directions to ensure that no more than five people are allowed to enter a religious place at a time, reported news agency ANI." The state has better resources and experience to contain the spread of COVID-19. COVID management should be used effectively. Integrated command and control centres are installed in all districts which should be used optimally and effectively to combat pandemic," Adityanath said.