A CORRESPONDENT
LAKHIMPUR: The number of COVID-19 positive cases in the district of Lakhimpur is increasing day after day. In the district on Friday, a student of Class VI of a leading school and people having no travel history have also been infected with coronavirus along with the people who came from other States.
Under such circumstances, Deputy Commissioner Khageswar Pegu, as the Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), reviewing the COVID-19 situation of the district, has re-issued a number of fresh directives in connection with public gatherings, government and private workplaces, educational institutions, public transports and other miscellaneous subjects. These directives have been imposed across the district by issuing an order video No. LMJ 22/2021/11 under Section 30(2)(1) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 in order to contain the fast spread of the coronavirus.
According to the order, open function in the district will be allowed with the permission from the district administration subject to strict adherence to the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, including the wearing of face masks, maintenance of respiratory etiquette, practicing hand hygiene through frequent hand washing or hand sanitizing and maintenance of social distancing norms of at least six feet. In this connection, the public bearing capacity of the open space will be taken into consideration and gathering of 50 per cent of its capacity or 400 persons, whichever is lower, will be allowed. In closed venues, gathering up to 50 per cent of the seating capacity will be allowed. Number of guests in private functions at private venues, including marriage ceremony, is restricted to only 100 persons. Not more than 20 persons can take part in funeral or last rites related programmes. Only 20 persons are allowed in religious places or places of worship per hour. However, 50 persons per hour are allowed to visit the iconic religious places. All market places, super markets, shops in the malls and the weekly markets of the district are once again directed to close their operations by 6:00pm every day.
In connection with work places, the order stated that working from home and virtual mode of working would be encouraged. Except officers, 50 per cent employees can work from home. However, this directive will not be applicable for organizations rendering essential, emergency services, law enforcement services and election work. Meeting in the official chamber is restricted. Pregnant women employees and women with children of five years or below, irrespective of their grade are allowed to work from home. Along with the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, frequent sanitization of entire workplace, common facilities and all points which come into human contact must be carried out.
On the other hand, all academic institutions, including schools, colleges and universities are directed to provide quality virtual options. Not more than 50 per cent students should attend their educational institutions in person on any day. Schools must stagger class timing so that large scale release of students does not arise. There will be no morning assembly or special assembly in the educational institutions. Primary schools are directed to give preference on online mode of teaching.
Further, all public transport authorities are directed to enforce COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. Auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and taxies are allowed to operate with one driver and one passenger by maintaining social distancing norm. City buses, intra and inter district buses are allowed to operate with only fifty per cent of passengers. No passenger is allowed to travel standing in the buses.
Similarly, shopkeepers are directed to ensure minimum six feet distance with customers and they are restricted to allow more than five persons inside the shops. According to the order, barber shops, saloons and parlours can continue their services with strict compliance to the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. Industrial units and tea gardens can continue their functions, subject to strict observation of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.