Lockdown in Puducherry extended till July 31

The territorial government has extended the lockdown triggered by Covid-19 till the midnight of this month. The lockdown was to end tonight at 12. But, the coronavirus curfew would continue to be in force from 10 pm to 5 am on all days, said an official press release here. Socio-political celebrations and entertainment- related gatherings are prohibited.

Shops and other commercial establishments, and trade centres are permitted to function from 9 am to 9 pm while vegetable and fruit stalls can be open from 5 am to 9 pm, the release said. Government departments and offices would function as per the guidelines of the Department of Public Administration and Reforms.

Private offices are permitted to function from 9 am to 6 pm. Restaurants and bars within hotels, lodges and guest houses and stand-alone eateries are permitted to function with 50 per cent capacity up to 9 pm. Tea and juice stalls can stay open till 9 pm, so can retail outlets of liquor and arrack, the release said.

SPECIAL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE ONLY ON DH

The Department of Excise, in coordination with the police, should enforce Covid-19 protocols at the liquor shops on the border of the Union Territory. The release said the Excise Department should issue instructions for door delivery of liquor within the territorial limits to reduce footfalls at the stores. Private, government and public buses, autos, and taxis are permitted to ply till 9 pm.

Vehicles for medical and emergency purposes, marriages, funerals of relatives, interviews, examinations would be permitted on all days. Vehicle registration, issue of driving licences by the Transport Department are allowed subject to adherence to Covid-19 norms. Document registration is also permitted. Beach roads, parks and gardens can be visited between 5 am and 9 pm.

Places of worship can remain open till 9 pm. The release further said the number of guests at weddings should not exceed 100 and the number of mourners at funerals not more than 20. Petrol bunks, ATMs, milk sales, hospitals and newspaper distribution are permitted to function without curbs.

Sports activities without spectators, and gymnasiums and yoga centres are permitted with 50 per cent capacity. Film and television serial-shooting can go on with 100 people. Tourist spots can be open at 50 per cent crowd capacity, the release said.