8 days Lockdown in Assam from 23 March, Click here to read the full notification

March 24: In order to tackle the spread of coronavirus in the state, Assam government has declared complete LOCKDOWN in the state from 6 PM of 24 March, 2020 till 31 March, 2020. If anybody is found to disobey the order, then punitive measures will be adopted. This was stated by state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma on Monday evening during his media briefing. Here we reproduce the orders issued by the Governor of Assam in this regard on 23 March, 2020.

The Governor of Assam has been taking up all necessary measures for combatting the spread of COVID-19 and it is imperative to adopt social distancing and isolation measures in the state of Assam. Whereas, the Govt of Assam has issued the Assam COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 for prevention and containment of COVID-19. Now, therefore, the Government of Assam in exercise of the aforesaid powers hereby notifies “Complete Safety Restrictions” in the whole of territorial jurisdiction of State of Assam wef 1800 hrs on 23/03/2020 to 2400 hrs on 31/0312020, stipulating the following restrictions:

1. No transport services including operation of Taxis, auto-rickshaws will be permitted. The exception will include transport of all kinds to and from hospitals, airports, railway station, bus stands/terminals and goods carriers carrying food and essential commodities.

2. All shops, commercial establishments, offices and factories, workshops, go-downs etc. shall close their operations.

3. All foreign returnees and other such persons so required by the health personnel are directed to remain under strict home quarantine for a period as decided by the local health authorities.

4. People are required to stay at home and come out only for basic services while strictly following social distancing guidelines issued earlier.

5. Only limited religious rituals shall be performed at temples, mosques etc. by maximum of three priests/ imams etc. at a time, without any community participation.

6. The following establishments/services including those in the private sector providing essential services shall be excluded from the above restrictions:

• a. Law and Order, Courts and Correctional Services
• b. Health Services and persons involved with logistic support of healthcare services
• c. Police, Armed forces and para-military forces
• d. Electricity, Water and Municipal/ Conservancy services
• e. Fire, Civil Defense and Emergency Services
• f. DIPR, Assam
• g. Essential IOC & ONGC Operations
• h. Telecom. Internet, IT & ITES and postal services
• i. Banks and ATMs
• j. Government Treasuries with limited staff
• k. Officials in Government offices Involved with clearing of treasury bills but with limited staff.
• I. Offices ordered to be opened by Finance Department. Such offices shall be closed after financial transactions are completed.
• m. Airports withrestricted flights
• n. Vehicles/ Cabs owned or contracted by exempted categories for transportation of staff to workplace and back.
• o. Vehicles given permit for emergency use by authorized officials.
• p. Essential food items Food including PDS. grocery shops (with limited staff). storage and their transportation/ goods vehicles.
• q. Petrol Pumps, oil agencies, LPG agencies, their go-downs and transportation.
• r. Pharmacies, pharmaceutical / surgical manufacturing and their transportation / any other type of medical / surgical supplies eg. Oxygen required for hospital use.
• s. Production and Manufacturing units requiring continuous process may continue to function after obtaining necessary approval from the District Magistrate, with limited staff.
• t. Print and electronic media.
• u. Manufacturing units engaged in production of essential commodities / hospital supplies / industrial units engaged in manufacturing of products of public safety & hygiene.
• v. Any other essential services/ establishment that may be exempted by the Government.

7. If there is any doubt whether any establishment/ service is essential or not, the District Magistrate shall be the competent authority to decide.

8. Any congregation of more than 5 persons shall be prohibited in public places.

9. State borders to be effectively sealed for all passenger vehicles including commercial &privately owned vehicles.

10. The following officials are authorized to issue permits for allowing public passenger vehicles in case of emergency for limited use- District Magistrate/ ADC / SDO (C) / Circle Officer RTO / OTO, Commissioner Police / DCP/ACP and Additional Secretary, Health& Family Welfare Department.The control room numbers for the same (from District to Circle level) should be informed to the public, district wise, through wide publicity immediately.

11. All District Magistrates. Commissioner of Police, Municipal Commissioner, SPs, ADMs, Joint Director of Health Services, SDOs. BDOs and Executive Magistrates are hereby authorized to take all necessary measures for enforcement and implementation of the aforesaid instructions. All local police authorities shall extend necessary assistance as and when requisitioned by the aforesaid officers.

12. Any person found violating these instructions shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) and other applicable legal provisions. 13. The other instructions issued earlier will continue to be in force.

14. In case of doubt, the State Government will issue necessary directions/clarifications.