Ahmedabad Remains Gujarat's COVID-19 Hotspot

Gujarat continues to be one of the major hotspots of coronavirus in the country. The total number of cases in the state has now risen to 16,779 with 1,038 deaths. 73% of the total COVID-19 caseload in the state comes from the capital city of Ahmedabad alone. The city has so far recorded 11, 963 cases of coronavirus.

Gujarat has, meanwhile, issued guidelines for 100% attendance in offices and 9 am to 5 pm curfew in the capital city. Bus and Metro services are set to be resumed in Ahmedabad with 50% occupancy. While Ahmedabad will largely remain open, only essential services will be allowed in 46 containment zones of the capital.

As shops and markets in Ahmedabad open, the government has issued strict guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Not more than five customers would be allowed inside a shop at one time. Face masks and social distancing in public are mandatory and violation would invite fines.

Hotels, malls, pubs and places of worship are also set to open from June 8 in Ahmedabad.

Testing for COVID

Gujarat had come under severe criticism for low testing of suspected coronavirus patients and the matter reached the state High Court which passed strong comments on the government's approach to the COVID-19 crisis.

The Gujarat government in its response to the High Court had stated that it was following ICMR guidelines. The Gujarat High Court on Sunday, directed the government to test patients who require urgent medical attention without waiting for requisite permission and to obtain permission in the case of others within 24 hours.