FAQ: New COVID Rules in Odisha, Maharashtra, Delhi, Other States

What are the new rules? Which states have imposed lockdown? Here’s what you need to know.

A health worker conducts COVID-19 testing at Baratooti Bazar, as coronavirus cases surge across the national capital, in New Delhi, Friday, 13 November. Image used for representation.

(Photo: PTI)

As India witnesses more fresh COVID-19 cases than recoveries – bringing fresh set of restrictions to curb the surge. Cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Indore are witnessing a huge spike in cases post the June-July wave.

Night curfews and Section 144 are making a comeback months after the unlocking exercise began.

What are the new rules? Which states have reimposed lockdowns? Here’s what you need to know.

What are the fresh restrictions in Punjab?

The fresh restrictions in Punjab are as follows:

• Punjab government will be reimposing night curfew from 1 December in all cities and towns of the state.The night curfew will remain in force from 10 pm to 5 am, reported PTI, citing Punjab CM Amarinder Singh.
• The fine for not wearing masks and ignoring social distancing norms too shall be hiked from the present Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.
• The curbs, which shall be reviewed on 15 December, also curtail operation timings of hotels, restaurants and marriage places - all of which will have to be closed by 9:30 pm, reported PTI.

The CM also said that the district hospitals must have round-the-clock testing available, and the same must also be made available at other convenient locations where people can easily access them. Steps must be taken to ensure that all these contacts are also tested

Further, to ensure that no deaths take place in home isolation, Amarinder Singh said the agency hired to look into these cases should keep close tabs on such patients, according to PTI.

Has Maharashtra imposed restrictions on travel to the state?

The Maharashtra government announced new SOPs for preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19. Despite earlier rumours, flights and travel have not been banned.

However, there are now restrictions on anyone travelling to Maharashtra from Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa.

For those travelling by domestic flights or trains, they have to present a negative RT-PCR test upon arrival, which has to be from within 72 hours (if travelling by air) and and within 96 hours (if travelling by train). This condition applies for train passengers even if they have only had a temporary stop in these states.

For those travelling by road, they will be checked for symptoms at the border. If a passenger displays symptoms, they will either have to return home, or take an antigen test. If the test comes negative, they can proceed into Maharashtra, or else will be sent to a Covid Care Centre where they will have bear any further costs.

What happens if someone travels to Maharashtra by air or rail without a COVID test?

If a passenger arriving by air doesn’t have an appropriate negative test, then they need to get tested at the airport at their own cost, otherwise they will not be allowed to leave the airport.

They will have to provide contact details to the airport authorities for tracing and treatment if their test comes back positive.

Those travelling by trains origination from or halting at stations in Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa will have to carry a negative RTPCR test report. According to The Indian Express, they should have undergone the test four days before arrival.

Passengers who have not conducted RT-PCR tests will be tested for symptoms at stations when they get off, reported NDTV. Those who have symptoms will not be allowed to travel onward, and will have to get an antigen test. If the test comes positive, they have to go to a Covid Care Centre where they will have bear any further costs.

Any restrictions in Haryana?

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday said that while 100 people are allowed to gather in open spaces in Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, Rohtak, Panipat, and Hisar districts, only 50 people will be allowed in halls.

Meanwhile, in the other districts, 100 people are allowed to gather in closed spaces and 200 in open spaces, effective from 26 November.

What are the fresh restrictions imposed in Delhi?

• Fine of Rs 2,000 will be imposed on individuals for not wearing masks in public places
• Only 50 guests are allowed at weddings
• Markets will remain open but there will be strict surveillance on whether physical distancing, mask-wearing and general hygiene is maintained

Will there be another lockdown in Delhi?

Not as of now. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that there will be no overall lockdown.

Has Gujarat imposed a new lockdown in light of rising cases?

• There is no full lockdown, but there is a complete curfew from Friday 9 pm to Monday 6 am in Ahmedabad

• Only shops selling milk and medicines and other essentials will be allowed to remain open

What are the other restrictions in Gujarat?

• Night curfew from 9 pm to 6 am will continue until further notice
• No school, college to reopen from 23 November
• Night curfew has also been imposed in Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara starting 21 November

Why are strict restrictions being imposed in Gujarat?

The state is seeing a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases post Diwali.

What are the rules in Madhya Pradesh?

• While there is no complete lockdown, night curfew from 10 pm to 6 am will be implemented in Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Vidisha, and Ratlam
• Only essential services and factory workers will be allowed

What are the new guidelines in Odisha?

Large social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious, functions and congregation will remain prohibited till 31 December in the state.

The Department of School and Mass Education has been authorized to take appropriate decision with regard to the date of re-opening of schools under its control in respect of class 9 to 12.

Are there fresh restrictions in Rajasthan as well?

All districts in Rajasthan will be placed under Section 144 from 21 November. This has meant an imposition of night curfews (8 pm to 6 am) in eight districts (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Bhilwara, Ajmer and Alwar), and bans on public meetings of more than five people in Jaipur.

Entry to shops and markets is prohibited without a mask, and the fine for not wearing masks in public has been increased to Rs 500 (from Rs 200).

Only 50 people can gather for a wedding.