Hyderabad, April 20 : In view of surge in Coronavirus cases in Telangana, the government on Tuesday decided to impose night curfew in the state from  Tuesday and it will continue till April 30.

After reviewing the various measures to control Covid-19 in the state, the government has decided to impose night curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM the next day as a further measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus pandemic, Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar said in a Government Order here.

During the curfew period, all offices , firms , shops, establishments, restaurants will close at 8 PM except hospitals, diagnostic labs, pharmacies and those dealing with supply of essential services.

Movement of all persons will be prohibited from 9.00 PM onwards, except persons engaged for essential services.

There would be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement/transportation of essential and non-essential goods. No separate permission or pass will be required for such movement, the GO said.

Public transport services including autos and taxis will be allowed to function within stipulated time for the transportation of some essential service category persons during the period of night curfew.

The provisions of night curfew will come into effect from 9 PM tomorrow and remain in force till 5.00 AM on May 1, 2021.

Any violation of the aforesaid instructions will result in prosecution under Sections 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act 2005 and Section 188 of IPC as well as other applicable laws, the GO added.

Police in the state were asked to strictly implement the above instructions.

In exercise of powers conferred under the Disaster Management Act 2005, the Chief Secretary , in his capacity as Chairperson, State Executive Committee , directed to all Collectors and District Magistrates and Commissioners/Superintendents of Police in the state to strictly implement the night curfew instructions.(UNI)