Aurangabad, June 29:
Considering the threat of Delta Plus variant, the city has been included in Class-3 category of covid rules. Therefore, the district administration issued an order to close all transactions after 4 pm from Monday evening. Citizens had thronged for shopping since Tuesday morning. However, the traders started closing their shops at 4 pm. Police patrolling vehicles were also appealing to the traders to close their shops in various areas.
On June 7, the city was included in Class-1 category and all restrictions were lifted. For 21 days, all transactions in the city were going on without any restrictions. Traders and citizens also breathed a sigh of relief. But after 22 days of complete unlock, the administration again imposed restrictions. Tuesday was the first day of restrictions. The traders closed their shops between 4 and 5 pm. Many traders asked the customers who came for shopping to step out of the shop. Police were patrolling the markets on four-wheelers and two-wheelers. Traders who did not close their shops were severely reprimanded. A warning was also given to seal the shop for 15 days if the shops are not closed within the time frame. However, a rush of citizens was seen on the streets till late in the night.
Strict curbs from Wednesday
As per the orders issued by the district administration on Monday, a curfew has been imposed after 5 pm on Tuesday and a complete lockdown after 7 pm. Essential service personnel are excluded from the curfew. Action will be taken by the police against the citizens who leave their homes unnecessarily after 7 pm. On the first day, the police did not conduct a thorough checking. However, curbs will be tightened from Wednesday.
Essential services up to 4pm
Essential service shops like milk and medical are also allowed till 4 pm. Hence on the first day the merchants closed their shops as per the orders. However, the essential service shops owners are demanding that they must be permitted to remain open till 11 pm.
Markets close in an hour
Markets at Paithan Gate to City Chowk, Shahgunj, Citychowk, Machhli Khadak, Buddhilen to Roshangate, Kiradpura, Gulmandi, Aurangpura, Kumbharwada, Rangargalli, TV Center, Connaught Place and other areas were closed between 4 to 5 pm.