Pondicherry lifts the brakes on economic and social activities

The government has effectively lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions on economic and social activities while stipulating compliance with the preventive measures listed in the national guidelines for the management of COVID-19 until March 31.

An order issued by Ashok Kumar, secretary member of the state Executive Committee, said there had been a significant drop in COVID-19 cases in recent days, imposing restrictions on various activities was not warranted. However, national guidelines for the management of COVID-19 must be strictly followed throughout the territory of the Union until midnight on March 31, in the order indicated.

This is based on the Home Office guidelines for implementing a risk-based approach to opening economic activities as part of the overall COVID-19 containment strategy until to March 31.

“This is essentially a progression from the previous lockdown order, moving towards the normalization of regular activities in Union territory while stipulating compliance with national security guidelines and putting the emphasis on vaccination against COVID-19,” Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar said.

Unlike the previous lockdown order, which was in effect until February 28, the latest order does not ban social gatherings, stipulates 10 p.m. as the closing time for places of worship, limits the number of people attending weddings in religious institutions to 25 and limits guests in wedding halls to 100 and limits funeral attendees to 20. The nighttime curfew was lifted earlier.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health has been instructed to keep proper records of every test performed and arrange to send adequate samples for sequencing to quickly detect mutant strains. The department has been told to closely monitor visitors from foreign countries due to the Omicron strain.

The order prioritizes launching intensive efforts to enforce mandatory vaccination, especially for the elderly and people with comorbidities, in addition to carrying out door-to-door vaccination in the territory of the Union, which lags behind in immunization compared to many other States and Union Territories.

The Ministry of Health has been asked to increase the proportion of RT-PCR tests needed.

Under national guidelines, wearing face coverings is mandatory in public places; in workplaces; and during transport. Individuals should maintain a minimum distance in public places and workplaces. Spitting in public places will be subject to a fine, as prescribed by the local State/Union Territory authority in accordance with its laws, rules or regulations. Provisions for washing or disinfecting hands must be put in place in the workplace and in closed places. Good ventilation should be ensured, guidelines set out.

Anyone found in violation shall be subject to punishment in accordance with the provisions of Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other statutory provisions as appropriate, said the government.

All owners and employees of businesses and industries are advised to get vaccinated at the earliest, otherwise they will not be allowed to operate. Panchayat municipality/commune commissioners can arrange verification of COVID-19 vaccination status for business owners and their employees. Similarly, the Department of Labor and Traders Associations will ensure 100% vaccination of Industries personnel under the supervision of the district administration.