All large gatherings have been banned in Haryana's Gurugram, Sonipat, Hisar, Faridabad and Panchkula from today amid a massive surge in coronavirus cases across the country in the second and more deadly second wave.
These five districts along with Karnal are the worst affected in the state due to Covid. The state government in an order on Saturday instructed the six districts to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPc. This means that a gathering of more than four people is banned unless specifically permitted. Karnal is also expected to issue prohibitory orders soon.
The Haryana government has ordered for all offices in the six districts to operate from home till 9am on May 3. However, this is not applicable for essential workers.
"This order shall not apply on police force and other public servants on duty, persons of medical industries/institutions, persons working in sectors related to essential products/services," an order from the Gurugram district magistrate read.
Singhu border, where farmers have been protesting against the new farms laws for months, is in Sonipat and has been exempted from Section 144.
Social, religious and political programmes will be allowed only outside containment zones with all Covid protocols in place. Also, organisers of the events must get permission from authorities.
Only 30 people will be allowed at a time inside cinema halls, theatres, hotels, gymnasiums and bars.
In open spaces, a gathering of 50 people will be allowed. 20 people will be allowed at funerals and cremations.
Gurugram, in the order, also advised citizens to conduct weddings during the day to avoid the rush during the night curfew.
Any violation of the specified rules will be punishable, the order read.
