Maximum relaxations in new SOP, Curfew from 9 pm across Assam

 Curfew from 9 pm; inter-district bus movement allowed

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Health Minister Keshab Mahanta said, "Covid-19 cases are well under control now. We have given maximum relaxations subject to strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocol. If the Covid-19 protocol goes for a toss, we have no way out but to impose tough restrictions. Thus it depends on the public – if they want tough restrictions or a gradual unlock."

The new SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) came into effect in the state from 11 am on Wednesday. All shops and other business establishments will remain open till 8 pm, and the curfew will be from 9 pm. Hotels and restaurants can host dining for 50 per cent of their capacities.

The new SOP lifted the restriction on the movement of inter-district passenger busses with seat capacity, besides the odd-even number system of vehicles. The SOP, however, does not allow any person to travel by standing. If detected, the driver and the owner of the bus will face stringent action. Passengers will have to take at least one dose of the vaccine.

The SOP also lifted the ban on pillion riding, besides allowing auto-rickshaws, rickshaws, share taxis etc., to carry capacity passengers.

All schools and colleges will remain open on September 2, 3 and 4 to inoculate eligible students, teachers and other staff. Final-year students who will attend physical classes from September 6 will have to take at least one dose of vaccine. No section of schools and colleges should exceed 30 students. For hostels, the warden, other staff and students will have to take both doses of vaccine.

The new SOP allows only 50 people without permission and 200 people with permission in a public gathering. One must take at least one vaccine dose to attend a public gathering. The SOP does not allow more than 50 per cent capacity in closed venues.

Fifty people with at least one dose of vaccine can attend marriages and religious functions. The SOP allows 40 persons per hour in iconic religious laces and 20 persons per hour in other places. However, the devotees will have to take at least one dose of vaccine. Fifty people can attend the last rites.

Weekly bazaars cannot remain open for more than six hours. Cinema halls and theatres will remain closed till further order. Wearing masks in public places is compulsory.

Officials with at least one dose of vaccine can attend offices. The heads of departments will have to maintain a record of staff members taking vaccine doses. If an official has not taken even a single vaccine dose, the head of the department will have to make arrangements for vaccination within three days in consultation with the Health Department.

The Minister said, "We will link the vaccination status with beneficiaries in case of government schemes. So far, we have inoculated 1.75 crore vaccine doses in the state – 1.44 crore first doses and 31 lakh second doses."

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