The High Powered Committee on COVID-19 in its meeting held on 31st July 2021, reviewed the COVID-19 situation, and after taking the views of the Health & Family Welfare Department, and considering the proposals of the various Districts Task Forces decided for continuation of the existing lock down measures with further relaxations and re-opening of more activities.

In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 22 (2) (b) and Section 22 (2) (h) of the Disaster Management Act 2005, Chief Secretary, J Alam, in the capacity of Chairperson. State Executive Committee, has directed for extension of the existing lock down measures with effect from 2ndAugust 2021 up to 18thAugust 2021 in the State, with further relaxations and re-opening of more activities as under:

1. The timing for opening up of the shops will be from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
2. The duration of the night curfew is further reduced and it will be from 08:00 PM to 04:00 AM.
3. Takeaways / home delivery outlets will be allowed to open and function except during the curfew hours from 08:00 PM to 04:00 AM.
4. Buses will be allowed to ply with up to 50% occupancy and subject to both the driver and attendants fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or should have taken the first dose against COVID-19, and 15 (fifteen) days should have passed since taking the first dose; and if none of the two aforesaid criteria is fulfilled, then the driver/attendant should carry a COVID-19 negative test report taken through either RT-PCR/TrueNat or CBNAAT with the swab taken for testing not earlier than 15 (Fifteen) days.
5. Inter-District bus service/ Taxi service is allowed subject to the conditions as mentioned above and in addition the passengers should also be either fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or should have taken the first dose against COVID-19, and 15 (fifteen) days should have passed since taking the first dose. If none of the two aforesaid criteria is fulfilled, then the passengers should carry a COVID-19 negative test report taken through either RT-PCR/TrueNat or CBNAAT with the swab taken for testing not earlier than 72 hours from the date of travel.
6. Detailed SOP for Para ‘iv’ and ‘v’ with the dates when the aforesaid provisions will be effective from, will be issued by the Home Department.

The District Task Force (DTF) may consider imposing stricter measures or rolling back certain relaxations in specified areas in the district, if the local situation requires so, and the DTF is satisfied that such measures are necessary.

                                                                                                (DIPR)