India: Gujarat State eases overnight curfew in cities as of Feb. 11 as other COVID-19 measures continue /update 42

Event

Authorities in the western Indian states of Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra continue to adjust COVID-19 controls as of Feb. 11. Gujarat State has lifted an overnight 22:00-06:00 curfew in 19 out of 27 urban centers effective Feb. 11; a shortened curfew 00:00-05:00 will continue in eight major cities until Feb. 18. A nightly curfew also remains in some areas of Maharashtra State, mainly with low vaccination coverage. Officials typically prohibit nonessential activity during curfews; cargo transit, specific industries, workplaces requiring night operations, limited transport services, and deliveries may typically continue. Authorities may enforce enhanced curbs, such as stay-home orders and entry and exit controls, in areas with a significant number of COVID-19 cases. Most Indian states mandate social distancing, the usage of facemasks in public, and obtaining special permission for large gatherings.

Revised nationwide restrictions on international travel apply from Feb. 14; entrants must carry negative results of a pre-departure COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate from a recognized origin, but no longer need to quarantine or undergo additional COVID-19 testing if asymptomatic. Domestic travelers must either provide a negative result from a recognized COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival or proof of completing vaccination at least 15 days before entry; additional rules are in place for high-risk locations with increased disease activity.

As of Feb. 11, various measures are in effect, or planned, in the following states:

• Goa: Officials limit outdoor gatherings to 100 people and indoor gatherings to 50 percent of the venue capacity. Educational institutions are closed until at least Feb. 15.

• Gujarat: Officials have lifted a nightly 22:00-06:00 curfew in most urban centers from Feb. 11. However, a shortened curfew 00:00-05:00 will continue in Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Gandhinagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara until at least Feb. 18. Delivery services may operate without time limits. Indoor and outdoor gatherings may involve 150 people, and 300 people, respectively for most events statewide. Vaccination certificates are required to enter dine-in facilities and/or public transport in several locations like Ahmedabad and Surat. Symptomatic domestic travelers from Kerala and Maharashtra states must undergo on-arrival rapid antigen testing. On-arrival RT-PCR testing is also compulsory for unvaccinated and/or symptomatic arrivals to Kandla. All domestic arrivals to Surat must quarantine at home for seven days, and self-monitor their health up to 14 days of arrival; entrants to other locations need not undergo quarantine.

• Maharashtra: A 23:00-05:00 nightly curfew is no longer applicable in Mumbai and Pune; similar relaxations are underway or likely in identified districts with high vaccination coverage, including Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gondia, Kolhapur, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara, and Sindhudurg. Officials in other areas are maintaining an overnight curfew 23:00-05:00, as well as the closure of recreational, sports, and grooming facilities. Most businesses may function with a 50-percent capacity limit statewide; only fully vaccinated patrons are allowed in dine-in facilities, large retail centers like malls, and on local trains. Retail businesses may open with limited operating hours or capacity; workers must be fully vaccinated. Offices can operate with protocols like staggered shifts; private companies are encouraged to function with fully vaccinated on-site staff at 50-percent capacity. Permitted events may involve up to 25 percent of venue capacity in districts with high vaccination coverage like Mumbai; the limit is 50 people for other areas. In addition to nationwide entry controls, all international entrants must take an on-arrival COVID-19 test.

Authorities usually allow banks and businesses selling essential goods, such as fuel, food, and medicines, to remain open in areas where strict measures are in effect. Officials often regulate price, supply, and opening hours, which may prompt panic-buying and associated localized shortages of essential goods. Sporadic clashes are possible if groups attempt to defy official orders. Police may forcibly disperse unruly crowds.

Advice

Follow all official instructions; minimize outdoor activity to the extent possible. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, work, and travel arrangements. Do not check out of accommodation without confirming onward travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for additional disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Ensure access to essential items, plan for queues, and delays at available shopping centers. Carry proper identification documents.

Resources

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Help Page
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Twitter
Goa State COVID-19 Portal
Mumbai COVID-19 Portal
World Health Organization (WHO)