The government of India’s most populated state, Uttar Pradesh, has announced a ban on gatherings until June 30.
It is the first state to have issued a ban on gatherings beyond the end of the nationwide lockdown, which is May 3.
Its Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued strict instructions to officials about the extended gathering ban, according to a tweet by state media advisor Mrityunjay Kumar. The decision has been taken to combat the spread of coronavirus, he added.
The country entered a nationwide lockdown on March 25, which was further extended to May 3. The Indian government has gradually relaxed some of the restrictions, allowing crop harvesting and for some shops to open.
Uttar Pradesh has recorded 1621 positive cases, including 25 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
