HYDERABAD: The chances of a day-long lockdown being reimposed in Hyderabad appear remote. The Telangana government, on Wednesday, issued orders stating that the night curfew in the State will start at 10 pm and end at 5 am, starting July 1. Shops and other establishments can remain open till 9.30 pm.
Issued by Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, the orders are in accordance with the recent relaxations issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. As earlier restrictions to combat COVID-19 cases lapsed on June 30, the Telangana government issued fresh orders extending the lockdown up to July 31. This means that there would be no reimposition of a day-long lockdown again.
Given the rising COVID-19 cases, the government had mulled among other options, a day-long curfew in GHMC area, allowing a relaxation of one-two hours to buy essentials. But that seems unlikely now. It remains to be seen whether the State Cabinet meets to discuss the COVID-19 situation. Movement of people (other than for accessing emergency medical care) shall remain strictly prohibited from 10 pm to 5 am.
However, movement of people for operation of industrial units in multiple shifts or on national and state highways, loading and unloading of cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and flights will be permitted during this period.
Shops to shut at 9.30 pm
No shops/ establishments, except hospitals and pharmacies, will remain open after 9.30 pm. The other restrictions such as closure of cinema halls, prohibition on mass meetings, religious congregations and sports events will continue till July 31 across the State.