COVID-19 Cases: Night Curfew Declared In Assam Till May 1

 The Assam government on Tuesday imposed night curfew across the state from night 8 pm to morning 5 am with immediate effect, as part of its efforts to control the surge in COVID-19 cases.

The state disaster management authority, in its order on Tuesday, said the curfew will be in place till May 1.

"The COVID-19 situation in Assam has been reviewed...

It has been observed that there has been a rapid increase in the number of active cases of COVID-19 across the state. It is felt that night curfew needs to be imposed in all districts of Assam, except for essential and emergency activities/services," the order stated.

Barring emergencies, movement of individuals will not be allowed during the curfew period, it added.

The state government has also ordered all markets and shops to down shutters by 6 pm.

Face mask has been made mandatory for everyone, including a person driving a vehicle apart from the mandatory COVID protocols to be followed by everyone in the state.

Assam reported 15 COVID-19 deaths while the total number of cases rose to 2,40,670 with 3,137 more people testing positive for the disease as on Monday as per the health bulletin.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Tuesday banned all victory processions after counting of votes in states where assembly polls were held to check the spread of coronavirus. The counting of votes will be held in Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala and Puducherry on May 2.