Lockdown extended in Bihar, Odisha, Ch’garh; K’taka to decide on June 4
The Bihar government has extended the lockdown till June 8 to stop the surge in Covid-19 cases in the state. However, the state government has also announced some relaxation to boost business activities. The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday.
“In view of Covid infection, it has been decided to extend the lockdown for one week — till June 8. But some relaxation is also being given to boost business activities in the state. People are requested to wear masks and maintain social distancing”. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said in a tweet after he met with the crisis management group on Monday.
Officials said that the revised home department guidelines would come into effect from June 2 onwards. According to the state administration, essential services like general provision stores and shops dealing with dairy products will be allowed to open from 6 am to 2 pm.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Monday said the decision on the future of lockdown was likely on June 4 or 5, after discussion with experts and depending on the situation in the state. The state is currently under lockdown till June 7.
“After June 4 or 5, I will discuss with them (experts), also looking at how the (Covid) situation improves by then, we will take a decision,” Yediyurappa told reporters. Earlier in the day, state health minister K. Sudhakar had said a decision on the future of lockdown has to be taken on a scientific basis as it is aimed at saving lives and that the Chief Minister will take a final call after examining the report from experts and discussing with cabinet colleagues.
The Odisha government also extended the lockdown by 16 more days till June 17 to further stem the spread of Covid-19. The second phase of the lockdown was to end at 5 am on June 1. It will now continue till 5 am of June 17.
The Uttar Pradesh government, meanwhile, extended the relaxations announced in the Coronavirus curfew to six more districts from June 1, allowing shops and markets outside the containment zones to open for five days a week. The relaxations will be applicable to a total of 61 districts from Tuesday, while 14 districts with an active Covid-19 caseload of over 600 have been kept outside the purview of the order for the time being.
The Chandigarh administration on Monday extended the Covid-induced restrictions till the morning of June 9, but allowed more relaxations such as reopening of barbers and salons. It also extended the shop opening time by an hour. All shops will now be allowed to open from 9 am till 4 pm, from earlier till 3 pm. “After detailed discussions, it was decided to continue the existing restrictions until 6 am on June 9,” according to an official release.
The Lakshadweep administration on Monday announced extension of the complete shutdown for seven more days, beginning May 31, considering the rising number of cases in the islands.
On the other hand, after a month-long lockdown imposed due to a surge in cases, markets reopened in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday as the process of partial unlock started in the UT, officials said.
According to new guidelines imposed by authorities on Sunday, shops have been allowed to open on alternate days. The public transport was allowed to ply at 50 per cent of the seating capacity in the Orange category districts, it remained shut in the Red category districts.