Night curfew imposed in Visakhapatnam with effect from 10 January, 2022

The Andhra Pradesh State Government has announced night curfew in Visakhapatnam, and the rest of the state, from 11pm to 5 am, coming into immediate effect i.e. 10 January, 2022. This is being done in view of the rising COVID-19 cases recently.  The announcement was made on 10 January, 2022 by the Andhra Pradesh State Government. The Covid-19 cases have been on a rise in Visakhapatnam, and night curfew is certainly the first step towards public safety.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, urges the public to follow social distancing, proper sanitization, wearing masks, and other necessary precautions in order to avoid the spread of the virus. The state recorded a 24 hour total of 1,257 new COVID-19 cases, as on Sunday 9 January, 2022, out of which 196 cases are from Visakhapatnam District, second to Chittoor District (254 cases). One death was recorded on Thursday 06 January 2022 in Visakhapatnam. The total number of active COVID-19 cases, in Andhra Pradesh, stands at 4,774, with the positivity rate being 3.3%. Andhra Pradesh has also recorded 24 Omicron variant cases as of 6 January, 2022.

Talking about imposing the night curfew in Vizag, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Ch Adinarayana, shared that  RK Beach will be closed for visitors and travellers after 10 pm. All shops and restaurants in the city will also be closed by 10 PM. Vehicular movement will be allowed only on the highways post midnight. The night curfew in Andhra Pradesh has been announced for an indefinite period to control the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Also due to the rising COVID-19 cases, APSRTC has decided to levy a fine of Rs.50 on any passenger not wearing a mask. Such measures will help people follow safety guidelines while being out of their homes.

With the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, the reports suggest a third wave might hit the country within no time. States such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, along with many others, have already imposed night curfew and other restrictions. Imposing night curfew, following social distancing, wearing masks, and proper sanitization are the key steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19.