UP govt lifts Covid restrictions; swimming pool, Anganwadi centres to reopen

Lucknow: Taking note of the decline in Covid cases in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has lifted the last set of restrictions it had imposed on movement and commercial activities, IANS reported.

According to a notice issued by the UP administration, swimming pools and water parks can now open for all, while the cap on the number of guests at weddings and other functions has also been scrapped. The notice was signed by Additional Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar Awasthi.

Anganwadi centres have been allowed to open too. However, the state government order clearly says that Covid protocols, such as wearing of masks and maintaining social distance, will have to be followed strictly.

On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh recorded 51 fresh covid-19 cases.

As the third Covid wave had started to ebb, the state government had begun easing restrictions in phases last month. Restaurants, pubs and malls were opened to full capacity, but water parks and swimming pools were still closed.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Avanish Awasthi insisted that "social distancing and face masks are compulsory".

"But all Covid-related restrictions have otherwise been removed in the state because of the decline in cases," he added.

"Currently, there are 1,050 active cases in the state. So, you see that cases have declined significantly. There is no point continuing with the restrictions on swimming pools and water parks. The last set of restrictions were lifted on Thursday."

At a time when temperatures are soaring, the easing of restrictions on pools and water parks came as relief for the residents.