Lockdown 3.0 in Assam: Here's Everything You need to Know

Guwahati, May 3, 2020:

Assam Health and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that there will be a complete curfew in the state from May 4 onwards, the day when the next phase of the lockdown called to contain the coronavirus will come into effect.

Addressing the press here today, Sarma said that except for pharmacies and other exempted emergency services, nothing will remain open during the curfew period.

Sarma said that people won't be allowed to move out of their houses during the next phase of the lockdown. Only health services, media, fire services, ambulances, and Government vehicles will be exempted. "I politely urge the people that the police will discharge their duties accordingly".

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Sarma also said that private hospitals, veterinary services, OPD, dentist clinics etc will be opened to the public from tomorrow onwards.

However, these will be closed down by 5, so as to enable employees to return home.

The Assam Minister has also announced that the economic activities will increase in green zone districts in the state after the lifting of the second phase of the lockdown.

At the same time, the Minister said that standalone shops can be reopened till 5 pm.

However, only 1/3rd of the shops in market complexes will be opened and the shops adjoining each other shall not be allowed to open.

"However, the bazaar associations have to discuss which shops to open. If they cannot decide, they will have to consult the DC", said Sarma.

This rule will not apply to grocery stores, book stalls, and pharmacies, Sarma said.

The Minister also said that the shops will be opened interchangeably.

At the same time, market complexes and shopping malls will be kept closed.

From tomorrow onwards, autos, cycle rickshaws, and taxis can begin operating once again.

However, only one driver and two passengers will be allowed per vehicle.

On scooters, pillion riding will only be allowed for females and children below 4 years.

In Assam, bus services have been opened for intra and inter-state services under the control of the ASTC.

However, only 50% of the seats can be filled up.

At the same time, buses will not go to orange and red zones.

The can move through these districts, but the buses cannot stop there.

From tomorrow onwards, 50% of the workforce will return to the Government offices. However, women with children younger than 5 years have been urged not to visit their offices.

The private offices can also be opened with 50% workforce.

Now, people can takeaway food from restaurants, ice cream parlours, sweetmeat shops etc will open. However, people cannot sit in the eating joints to consume their food.

E-commerce companies like Swiggy will once again start delivering food.

Moreover, all e-commerce companies can be opened completely.

Barbershops and saloons will remain closed, but the professionals can go to the houses for styling.

Gyms and swimming pools will remain closed.

Weekly bazaars/haats will remain closed.

All mass gatherings, including religious gatherings, are closed.

Note: People above 65 years and below 12 years cannot leave their homes, except medical needs.

Note: Masks and social distancing are mandatory in public.

Note: Relaxations are not applicable in red/orange zones.

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