UP reopens few sectors for production even as virus cases surge past 800

Lucknow: The coronavirus cases in UP surged past 800, with 78 new cases being reported, according to the state health department.

Even as cases are on rise, UP government has allowed 11 sectors like steel, refineries, sugar mills, cement, chemical and fertilizers among others to operate in the state, an order issued by Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, Chief Secretary of the UP government states.

The order however states that only the production units of the industries can function, with only half the workforce.

The industries will also have to use thermal scanners for screening the personnel at work, and follow social distancing guidelines and provide face masks and hand sanitizers for the workers.

However, factories falling under coronavirus hotspot zones will not be reopened.

Uttar Pradesh has so far reported 13 fatalities due to coronavirus in the state.