Lucknow district officials may impose night curfew to curtail the spread of 2nd Covid wave

In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has authorised district officials with the power to impose local restrictions in their jurisdiction, outside containment zones as well. District authorities can now impose preventive protocols such as night curfew, based on the assessment of the COVID-19 situation and need of urgent restrictive measures in Lucknow and other state districts.

Uttar Pradesh gears up to control COVID-19 spike

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Preventive protocols in all districts in Uttar Pradesh will now be authorised by the discretion of the District Magistrates, according to the circular issued by the chief secretary. The circular further details that district authorities can clamp down night curfews and impose Section 144 of CrPC based on their assessment of the severity of the situation. The Chief Secretary also asked the DMs to ensure demarcation of containment zones, at the micro-level, in line with the centre's call for "dynamic containment zones." He also clarified that no lockdown outside the containment zones could be imposed without prior permission from the central government.

As the state records lower number of fresh confirmed cases in most places, the increasing positivity rate in some cities has created an environment which calls for extreme caution and alertness. There is a high possibility of that festive gatherings and the cold weather, will will contribute in spreading the virus further. He also pointed out the need to break the chain of transmission and has directed the officials regarding the same, stating, "It has to be ensured that no movement of people is allowed in or out of these zones, except medical emergencies and the supply of essential goods and services is allowed."

UP to increase surveillance, amid COVID spike

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"In cities where the weekly Covid case positivity rate is more than 10 per cent, the officials concerned will consider implementing staggered office timings and other suitable measures to reduce the number of employees attending office at the same time, thereby, ensuring social-distancing," Chief Secretary said. A boost to surveillance will also be witnessed in Uttar Pradesh in an attempt to intensively monitor each house under the containment zones, ensuring immediate isolation of Covid-19 patients.

The new guidelines advise the vulnerable, including people above 65 years and those with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years, to not step out of their homes unless it is essential for a medical emergency. This circular stands independent of the guidelines released for organising events in the state. All protocols applicable to social and other gatherings, including marriage parties, outside containment zones would remain the same as issued by the state government on November 23.

-With inputs from IANS