Andhra Pradesh govt sanctions Rs.15,000 for last rites of people succumbing to COVID-19

The Andhra Pradesh government sanctioned Rs.15,000 towards the funeral charges for the death of every novel coronavirus patient amid the COVID-19 surge. This was revealed in an order issued by the Health, Medical, and Family Welfare Department on May 16. The District Collectors have been empowered to meet this expenditure from the funds allocated for combating COVID-19 for the fiscal year 2021-22. They will receive the requisite funds from the Health and Family Welfare Commissioner.

At present, there are 2,07,467 active novel coronavirus cases in the state while 11,94,582 patients have recovered and 9271 fatalities have been recorded. A total of 54,87,798 persons have been inoculated in AP till now whereas 21,76,738 of them have received the second dose of the vaccine too. While a partial lockdown has been imposed in Andhra Pradesh till May 18, more curbs are likely to be imposed. In view of the state recording a test positivity rate of more than 20% since the advent of the second wave, speculation is rife that the state government might opt for a total lockdown. 

Here are the COVID-19 curbs in AP: 

• A statewide curfew will be imposed from noon to 6 am 
• All firms, shops, establishments, offices, educational institutions and restaurants will close at 12 pm and reopen after 6 am
• Hospitals, pharmacies, diagnostic labs and those dealing with the supply of specified essential services shall be exempted from this rule
• District Collectors and Magistrates of the state will impose regulations under Section 144 prohibiting the gathering of people
• Movement of more than 5 persons shall not be permitted. This will not be applicable to people standing in queues adhering to social distancing norms for purchasing goods and services
• A maximum of 20 persons can remain present for a marriage function
• The movement of essential and non-essential goods has been exempted from the curfew
• RT-PCR testing centres will be set up at all airports in the state
• COVID-19 testing is mandatory for international travellers arriving in Andhra Pradesh. They have to either stay in quarantine centres or home quarantine for a period of 14 days
• Thermal screening will be conducted for all domestic travellers
• The people from the state going abroad must submit a negative COVID-19 test report 72 hours prior to the date of departure