In view of the rising COVID positive cases in the state, the state government of UP has decided to clamp a strict weekends lockdown in the state.

The lockdown is expected to be in effect at least for the month of July, and will be applicable to both urban and rural areas.

A NDTV report quoted the Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Information) Awanish Awasthi as saying to PTI, "The lockdown on weekends will be implemented from the coming Saturday and Sunday especially in the crowded areas. The markets and offices will remain closed on these days. However, the banks will remain open."

He reportedly added that the decision has been taken to stop the spread of the infection through unnecessary physical movement.

Awasthi even said that economic activities will continue unabated, and will not suffer.

UP so far has crossed the mark of 35000 with regard to infected people. It has witnessed more than 900 fatalities thus far.