Unlock 3: Gujarat has also allowed gyms and yoga centers to open from August 5. (Representation)
Ahmedabad:
No nighttime curfew, restaurants open until 10 p.m. and shops until 8 p.m. These are among the many relaxations that have been allowed in Gujarat under central government guidelines for Unlock 3, intended to ease the brakes on economic activity as the country continues its fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.
However, the state government decided not to allow religious functions for upcoming festivals in August. “If the COVID-19 situation continues like this, festivals like Navratri will not be observed,” Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said.
Navratri will be observed between October 17 and October 25 of this year. The festival is known to generate a lot of income for Gujarat businesses.
“The night curfew will be completely lifted in the state from August 1. Other than that, all stores will be allowed to stay open until 8 p.m., while restaurants will be able to operate until 10 p.m. “said a press release issued after a high-level meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister.
Gyms and yoga centers will also be allowed to open from August 5, he said, adding that according to the Centre’s guidelines, schools, coaching classes and movie theaters will not open. in August.
Rupani said on Wednesday that the state government’s goal is to ensure that the deadly infection does not spread even as economic activity continues in the state.
To ensure the state can safely increase its economic activity, which came to a halt after a nationwide coronavirus lockdown was announced in March, the government of Gujarat has increased fines for non-compliance of Covid safety standards.
From August 1, citizens leaving without a face mask will be fined 500 rupees, as opposed to the previous penalty of 200 rupees, Rupani said.
Gujarat has so far reported more than 59,000 cases of coronavirus infection with 2,396 deaths. The death rate for COVID-19 cases in the state is almost double the national average of 2.23%.
