Anantapur: Religious congregations prohibited in containment zones, says Collector Gandham Chandrudu

Anantapur: District Collector Gandham Chandrudu has stated that all religious congregations will continue to be banned including marriages in containment zones.

However, he made it clear funerals will be permitted in non-containment zones with a maximum participation of 20 persons.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Chandrudu said that hotels and restaurants will remain closed while canteens will be permitted for delivery of parcels only. Strict curfew will be enforced from 7 pm to 7 am every day and there should be no excuses for coming out from houses during the curfew hours, he pointed out.

Similarly shared autos and taxis will not be allowed to operate, he said and added saloons could be opened in non-containment zones including offices. Construction activity can go on in non-containment zones.

Wearing of face masks was compulsory for all people in all zones, the collector said and added consuming liquor and spitting in public places will attract severe fines.

Thermal scanners and sanitisers were compulsory in work places and shops will continue to be closed in all zones. Only essential commodities shops will be opened on odd and even manner. People above 65 years of age will not be allowed to come out of their homes in view of their vulnerability to the coronavirus.

Replying to a question, the collector said that the lockdown guidelines will continue up to middle of June. Guidelines and standard operating procedures will be announced within a couple of days by the municipal commissioners.