Several states in the country are extending relaxations and a few such as Telangana have gone in for a complete relaxation owing to the drop in coronavirus cases.
The Haryana government on Sunday extended the Covid-19 lockdown by another week till June 28, but relaxed restrictions imposed on weddings and funerals while allowing corporate offices to operate with full attendance. A maximum of 50 guests can now attend weddings and funerals or cremations, subject to strict observance of Covid protocols including social distancing.
Delhi government on Sunday announced reopening of bars, public parks, gardens and golf clubs. Bars will become operational from Monday with 50 per cent capacity from 12 pm to 10 pm. Outdoor yoga activities will also be permitted from now on. The national capital on June 14 allowed restaurants to open with 50 per cent capacity, and allowing markets and shopping malls to operate at full capacity.
Tamil Nadu government on Sunday extended its Covid lockdown for another week. Based on caseload, some relaxations have been announced for 38 districts in the state. Inter and Intra-district public transportation with 50 per cent capacity will be allowed in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet. India recorded 58,419 new covid-19 cases in the 24 hours 8 am Sunday. This is the lowest spike in new cases in over 2 months. Active cases further dropped to 7.29 lakh.
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala are three states with more than one lakh active cases currently. With 1,576 new fatalities, the toll is over 3.85 lakh. Maharashtra accounted for 689 of the new deaths.
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala also reported more than 100 deaths. With states unlocking across the country and the Delta variant still around, health experts and Health Ministry are stressing on the need to re-open with a robust vaccination strategy and Covid appropriate behaviour. Any laxity could see India entering a third Covid wave in 3 to 4 months.
On the vaccine front, over 13 crore doses will be made available to the states in July. Centre will exclusively procure and distribute vaccines to the states free of cost to administer them to everyone above 18 years, The Indian Express has learnt.
