As the number of registered positive COVID-19 cases rises at an alarming growth, different states in India have started putting down stricter guidelines and are also pondering over a second lockdown. We’ve collated a state-wise list of all information you need to know. By Kumar Shree
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has made it mandatory for all domestic passengers to register themselves on the Spandana website and download the Arogya Setu app on their phones. Tirumala temple trust has also capped the daily number of visitors amid the rising number of cases.
Assam
View this post on Instagram
As per the latest update, Assam’s Health and Family Welfare Department has made it mandatory for air and train arrivals from Maharashtra and Karnataka to carry a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours. The release further notes that if airport authorities don’t feel the report is satisfactory, passengers will be required to undergo another paid test at the airport. This mandate also applies to transiting passengers.
In the same release, the authorities have also reemphasised the importance of wearing masks. The passengers will also need to undergo a COVID swab test upon arrival. However, those with a valid return ticket within 24 hours of their arrival time can skip all quarantine. The government has also advised the airlines to onboard only those passengers who have a valid RT-PCR negative test report.
Bihar
Apart from putting all the basic travel and social-distancing guidelines in place, the Bihar government has also cancelled all tourism events for April. Several media reports suggest that the government is also speculating putting a night curfew in place. A final decision about the events scheduled for May will be made after further meetings and discussions.
As of now Patna Sahib Festival, Lacchuar Mahotsav in Lacchaur, the Kundalpur Mahotsav in Nalanda, Thawe Mahotsav in Gopalganj, and the Mundeshwari Mahotsav in Bhabua are some of the events that stand cancelled.
Delhi
View this post on Instagram
Delhi government has ordered a night curfew in the national capital with immediate effect until April 30. The curfew will remain in effect from 10 pm to 5 am. Delhi has also introduced rapid testing of passengers at the airport. Having an updated Arogya Setu app is also mandatory for travellers. Those who leave the airport after giving their test samples must stay under quarantine until receiving the results.
The government has also prohibited all forms of social, entertainment, cultural, and other gatherings. Only funeral and marriage gatherings can occur, and that too with a maximum of 20 and 50 people. While schools have been shut until further notice, bars and restaurants have been allowed to function at 50 per cent capacity. Delhi metro, buses, and all multiplexes have also been asked to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
Gujarat
In light of the growing number of positive cases in the state, the Gujarat government has imposed a night curfew from 8 pm to 6 pm in 20 cities till month-end. This includes Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Junagadh, Gandhinagar, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Anand, Nadiad, Mehsana, Morbi, Patan, Godhra, Dahod, Bhuj, Gandhidham, Bharuch, Surendranagar, and Amreli. However, as per media reports, the same has not been extended during the day, but the government has urged citizens to follow protocol. The state government has also made it mandatory for all passengers to carry a valid RT-PCR negative report.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has declared it mandatory for passengers coming in from Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh to carry a valid test report taken within 72 hours of the arrival. The updated rule will come into effect from April 16. The state government has also shut all schools, colleges and universities till April 15.
Jammu & Kashmir
View this post on Instagram
Initially, only those arriving via air at the Srinagar airport were supposed to undergo COVID testing. However, amid the recent rising cases, even those arriving via road will be tested from now on. Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Aijaz Asad has also asked all tourism operators and hotels to ensure proper hygiene and sanitation. Properties at the union territory have also been asked to keep two rooms vacant for any travellers who arrive and get tested positive. The government will soon also start a vaccination drive for all tourism sector workers. The Jammu District Magistrate, on the other hand, has revoked all permissions for any events, fairs, and exhibitions.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh government has introduced an on-and-off lockdown in Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur in the last few days. As per the latest development, the state government has ordered all schools and colleges in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Betul, Chhindwara, Khargone, and Ratlam to stay closed till April 15. The state government has also cancelled all bus services to and from Maharashtra.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is among the few states that is underlining the highest number of COVID-19 cases. Reports suggest that Maharashtra alone has more than 50 per cent of the country’s COVID-19 cases at present. As a result, the state government has already announced a partial lockdown. It includes the shutdown of malls, cinemas, restaurants, bars, and a night curfew.
For F&B businesses, the government has ordered a shutdown for dinners and weekend operations. Even e-commerce delivery executives need to be either vaccinated or carry a negative RT-PCR test report. These test reports will be valid for 15 days from the date of issue.
Maharashtra has also capped the RT-PCR testing price to encourage more people to get tested. The state has also made it mandatory for people coming in from Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Goa to carry a negative RT-PCR report. The report should not be older than 72 hours. The Maharashtra government is in a continuous discussions about implementing a second lockdown. The officials and concerned authorities will meet again on April 14, and decide the way forward.
Odisha
Since Odisha is looking at a series of festivals and by-elections at Pipili, the government has introduced a fresh set of guidelines. The government has ordered setting up micro containment zones, and it has also capped the number of people allowed for religious and festival-related gatherings. A maximum of 200 people can attend marriage functions, and 50 can attend funerals. For political meetings, only 50 per cent of the venue’s capacity and a maximum of 200 people can be present at a time.
Odisha has also updated a fresh set of guidelines where it has declared it mandatory for people coming in via all forms of transportation to either carry a valid RT-PCR negative test report or a complete vaccination certificate after two doses of vaccination. Any person arriving without the test reports or certificates will need to undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine at home or an institutional facility.
Punjab
View this post on Instagram
As per the latest available updates, Punjab has introduced a night curfew in Patiala, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Fatehgarh Sahib. The government has also issued orders to increase COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Schools and colleges in the state will remain closed for 10 more days. The government will review the situation and will come up with a decision on whether restrictions need to be enhanced or eased, depending upon the situation.
Rajasthan
View this post on Instagram
Rajasthan government has also imposed a night curfew in the state from 8 pm to 6 am. The state government has also ordered multiplexes and gyms to remain closed. Schools for classes one to nine will also be closed from April 5 to 19. Colleges for all, except third-year students, will also remain suspended. The number of people at social gatherings has also been limited to a maximum of 100. While dining at restaurants and hotels during night curfew hours has been prohibited, the government has allowed food delivery services to continue operations.
The state government has also declared it mandatory for travellers to carry a valid negative Coronavirus test report not older than 72 hours of entering Rajasthan.
Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu state government has also reintroduced COVID-related restrictions and measures. The government has also advised all state citizens above 45 years of age to get vaccinated at either a government or a private facility. Moreover, travellers will also need to register themselves on the state portal to seek entry.
Related: Paris Goes Into Lockdown Again Amid Rise In COVID-19 Variant
