Assam eases COVID-19 norms from today; Here’s what you need to know

GUWAHATI: 

In view of the declining number of new COVID-19 cases in the state, the Assam government has relaxed curfew timings and inter-district travel norms for both urban and rural areas from today (Wednesday), according to a revised Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on September 1. The revised SOP came into effect from 11 am on Wednesday.

“As the COVID-19 situation in the state has improved, several relaxations have been given in the new Standard Operating Protocols... Urge the people to get both the doses of vaccines and to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocols," tweeted Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta, after the issuance of the revised SOP.

Here are the government’s new Covid-19 related guidelines:

*Night curfew from 9 pm to 5 pm across the state.

*All work places (govt and private offices/ establishment) to function as per usual working hours but not beyond 8 pm.

*All business/commercial establishments to open up to 8 pm across the state.

*Pillion riding on motorcycles allowed with at least single dose vaccinated persons and compulsory wearing of a mask.

*Intra-district transport with 100% seating capacity shall be allowed for passengers having at least a single dose of vaccine. No standing passengers will be allowed.

*Physical classes for post-graduate, higher secondary final year, GNM/ Nursing courses and that of technical institutions shall be allowed for students having at least a single-dose vaccine. Before starting, there will be a three-day vaccination drive for students, faculty and staff.

*Educational institutions hostels allowed to open only for the post-graduate, graduate and higher secondary final year students with fully vaccinated residents.

*Meeting/gathering at any open or closed spaces is allowed up to 50 single-dose vaccinated persons with prior intimation to local police. However, with prior permission of jurisdictional DC for maximum gathering up to 200 persons (at least single-dose vaccinated) may be allowed both for public and private institutions which will also be applicable for closed spaces subject to ceiling of 50% of the hall capacity.

*Public gathering is allowed up to 50 single-dose vaccinated persons for marriages/ funeral/ last rite programme.

*Religious places are allowed to open with up to 40 single-dose vaccinated persons per hour for iconic places and 20 single-dose vaccinated persons per hour for other religious places.

*Cinema/Theatre Hall shall continue to remain closed till next review.

(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)

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