COVID-19: Haryana govt issues new guidelines on social gatherings - Details inside

Amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the state, the Haryana government has imposed restrictions on gatherings, informed state Home Minister Anil Vij on Sunday evening.

While at most 200 people would be allowed at events indoor, the crowd capacity outdoors has been put at 500. At funerals, a maximum of 50 people would be allowed to attend, the new guidelines stated.

"Keeping in view growing cases of coronavirus, Haryana government has imposed restrictions on gatherings. In indoor, a maximum of 50 percent of the hall capacity will be allowed with a ceiling of 200 persons. In open gatherings, 500 persons will be allowed. For funerals up to only 50 persons will be permitted," Vij tweeted today.

Earlier, the limit on gatherings was implemented in Gurgaon and Faridabad.

The new guidelines related to COVID-19 will come into force from April 5. Addressing the media, the Home Minister said the guidelines of appropriate Covid behavior should be followed in all the permitted gatherings.

"All people should wear masks and observe social distancing. No one will sit close and together in the gatherings," he said.

Vij further said that for organising religious, sports, academics, entertainment, cultural and political events, the organiser will have to obtain no-objection certificate (NOC) from the concerned deputy commissioners in all districts.

"Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guidelines have been issued in this regard today", he said.

The new SOPs also permit action against violators after extensive checking under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as well as under Sections 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

As per the Union Health Ministry, there are 11,787 active cases of COVID-19 in Haryana while the death toll in the state stands at 3,184. The cumulative recoveries in the state reached 2,81,258.

The districts which report a big spike in cases included Gurgaon (606), Karnal (274), Faridabad (138), Ambala (138) and Kurukshetra (124). The state now has 11,787 active cases.

(With agency inputs)