Haryana on Monday announced a state-wide night curfew between 9pm and 5am effective immediately, citing the recent surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in the state. All non-essential movement during the curfew hours has been banned by the government and the curfew would remain in place until further orders.
“Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC, and other legal provisions as applicable,” the government order said.
The announcement comes a day after the state reported 3440 Covid-19 cases on Sunday and 16 related fatalities taking its disease tally to 316,881 and death toll to 3268, according to a bulletin.
Also read | Sputnik V gets experts' nod in India. All you need to know about the vaccine
However, exemptions have been provided by the government for essential services.
“Those tasked with law and order /emergencies and municipal services/duties including executive magistrates, police personnel, Military/C.A.P.F. personnel in uniform, health, electricity, fire, media persons with accreditation and Government machinery tasked with Covid-19 related duties (All on production of identity card),” are some among the exemptions, the government order read.
{{/usCountry}}“Those tasked with law and order /emergencies and municipal services/duties including executive magistrates, police personnel, Military/C.A.P.F. personnel in uniform, health, electricity, fire, media persons with accreditation and Government machinery tasked with Covid-19 related duties (All on production of identity card),” are some among the exemptions, the government order read.
{{/usCountry}}Among other allowed activities, vehicles and people in transit would be allowed after verification of point of origin and destination. Also, hospitals, medical shops and ATMs are allowed to operate all throughout the day and pregnant women and patients going for medical or health-related emergencies would also be exempted, according to the order. “Passengers going to or returning from airport or railway station of I.S.B.T. shall be exempted,” the order noted.
The night curfew is being implemented on top of the existing Covid-19 restrictions in the state. “Keeping in view growing cases of Corona Haryana Govt. has imposed restrictions on gatherings. In indoor maximum of 50% of the hall capacity will be allowed with a ceiling of 200 persons. In open gatherings will be allowed of 500 persons. For Funerals upto 50 persons only,” health minister Anil Vij tweeted on April 4.