Admin mulls easing near-lockdown norms | Nagpur News – Times of India

Nagpur: Citizens in West Vidarbha districts, where lockdown-like restrictions were imposed since February last week, are now becoming restless to get back to normalcy. Due to the pressure from people, the administration plans to come out with some kind of relaxations in movements in Akola, Amravati, Buldhana and Washim districts. In Yavatmal, the district collector has decided to wait for a day to two more to decide whether to continue strict restrictions or not.
“After meeting with delegations of shopkeepers, we have decided to let all kinds of businesses run from March 5 onwards. But they have to follow some rules,” said Akola district collector Jitendra Papalkar. Earlier, only essential shops were allowed to remain open from 9am to 3pm in Akola, Murtijapur and Akot cities.
“Now, all shops may remain open from 9am to 5pm daily. But, shopkeepers, helpers and all engaged in shops need to undergo RT-PCR tests and only Covid-19 negative people will be allowed in markets,” said Papalkar.
Akola district had reported 1,960 new cases of Covid-19 between February 1 and 20. However, after that, a sudden surge was reported. The district reported 1,531 cases in next five days, and lockdown-like restrictions were imposed. During last 10 days of restrictions, the district has reported 3,122 cases, which is a little respite.
The district collector said that the rise in cases cannot be linked to rise in infections. “We have increased tests in last 10 days. More number of new cases are coming out due to increase in tests. This is good for the district. We have separated and isolated the infected persons. Now, new chains will be avoided and infections will go down,” he said while clarifying his decision to offer some relaxation.
In Akola, hotels and restaurants are still not allowed to entertain guests. Only home delivery or parcel service is allowed. But, Buldhana has allowed restaurants to have 50% customers during day time (from 9am to 5pm). In Washim, district collector has allowed people to hold religious events at home on the occasion of Gajanan Maharaj Prakat Din on Friday, but mass feasts are not allowed.
In Amravati, district collector Shailesh Naval has hinted at unlocking things in a phased manner from March 8. Praising people for supporting the lockdown and acting judiciously during this period, Naval said that the lockdown will not be extended after March 8 but eased in a phased manner with restrictions.
RELAXATIONS ON CARDS
AMRAVATI: Lockdown will not be extended after March 8 but eased in phased manner
AKOLA: All shops, even non-essentials, to remain open from 9am to 5pm from March 5
BULDHANA: Hotel, restaurants open from 9am to 5pm with 50% capacity; after that, parcels only
WASHIM: People can organize religious events on Gajanan Maharaj Prakat Din at home, not at temples
YAVATMAL: Admin to decide today whether to impose more restrictions in Yavatmal city or not