Coronavirus: Rajasthan has imposed weekend curfew amid a spike in COVID-19 cases
Rajasthan has tightened restrictions amid a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases. The state government said all markets will remain shut through the weekend. State capital Jaipur reported 3,036 cases of COVID-19 today. The overall spike in cases today in the state was 15,398; 64 have died.
Today's order says shops selling essentials can remain open between 6 am and 11 am; banks and insurance firms from 10 am to 2 pm; animal fodder outlets, agricultural produce stores, and dairies and milk shops from 6 am to 11 am. The last two, though, can remain open again from 5 pm to 7 pm.
The 6 am-11 am window is also for vegetable vendors and door-to-door deliveries. Petrol pumps and LPG distribution will remain open from 7 am to 12 pm.
The government asked people not to travel in vehicles but walk to the nearest market for supplies. Processed food vendors, bakeries, restaurants, and sweets shops can only make home deliveries.
Weddings and related events are to be held on the same day, each event lasting no longer than three hours, and with only 50 guests.
The government said people can drive out in their personal vehicles only during emergencies. District-to-district travel is barred unless, again, it's an emergency.
The government on Thursday set up a four-member committee to ensure availability of oxygen cylinders and medicines, including remdesivir, for COVID-19 patients. It was set up on the direction of state Health Minister Raghu Sharma. The team will be responsible for medicine stocks and their supplies at private hospitals.
Other states, too, have imposed lockdowns and restrictions in the wake of deadly second wave of COVID-19 sweeping the country.
More and more people this time are complaining of breathlessness, which needs oxygen support. However, the supply of oxygen has become severely limited due to the sudden jump in demand.