RELAXATIONS IN CORONA CURFEW IN 61 UP DISTS

LUCKNOW : The UP government on Monday 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.

“According to the latest reports, the active caseload has fallen below 600 in Sonbhadra, Deoria, Baghpat, Prayagraj, Bijnore and Moradabad, and the relaxations will be applicable in these six districts as well,” an official spokesperson said here.

LUCKNOW : As the UP government scales up its vaccination drive for its 23-crore population, seers in Ayodhya are spreading awareness in their community about the importance of taking the jabs and dispelling misinformation related to the vaccine.

The Mani Ram Das Chavni Peeth, the Math that regulates all activities of seers in the temple town, is urging saints to get vaccinated. Saffron-clad seers are turning up for the jabs every day at a special counter set up for them at the Sri Ram Sanyukt Chikitsalaya –the first vaccination centre of Ayodhya. Other locals are also getting vaccinated at this facility, which is earmarked for the 45-plus age group.

Acharya Satyendra Das, head priest of makeshift temple at Ram Janmabhoomi, priests of Hanuman Garhi temple, Badi and Choti Devkali temples and all other temples turned up at Sri Ram Sayunkt Chikitsalaya to get vaccinated.

Das is also advising his disciples to take the jabs. “Vaccination will not only ensure protection for an individual against the virus, but also his family members as the vaccinated person is less likely to get infected and become spreader of the disease,” he said. Two other centres in old Ayodhya (now merged with Faizabad district) – Tulsi Mahila Chikitsalaya and a primary health centre – are for beneficiaries in the 18 to 45 age group.

“Vaccination is very important in the fight against Covid. The government is doing everything to save people from coronavirus. So, it is our duty to get vaccinated,” said Raju Das, priest of Hanuman Garhi temple.

The Hanuman Garhi temple is also creating awareness among devotees to get vaccinated. “During Corona Curfew, there is restricted entry in the temple for devotees. Those coming are being asked to get vaccinated,” said Das.

Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, head of Mani Ram Das Chavni Peeth, and chairman of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust, is also requesting seers to get vaccinated.