Centre restricts movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am

As India neared the 3 lakh-mark in the total number of COVID-19 cases, the Centre on Friday (June 12) announced that movement of people would remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during Unlock 1.0. However, buses and trucks will be allowed to ply on highways during the curfew hours.

In a communication sent to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said, “I would like to clarify that the purpose of restricting the movement of individuals, except for essential activities, between 9 pm and 5 am, is primarily intended to prevent the congregation of persons and to ensure social distancing.”

Advising states and Union Territories not to prevent the movement of buses transporting people, and trucks carrying goods that ply on state and national highways, Bhalla said that necessary instructions to this effect should be issued to district and local authorities.

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The new guidelines come two days after the Rajasthan permitted interstate movement of people with certain regulations. The state made it mandatory for all persons going to other states to obtain a travel pass from the respective Collector and Superintendent of Police. Earlier, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana too had opened the borders.

As of 8 am on June 12, the total number of COVID-19 cases stood at 2,97,535. While 1,47,195 people have been cured or discharged from hospitals, there are 141842 active cases in the country. Also, 8,498 people have succumbed to the disease in India.