The state government has allowed political gatherings in non-containment zones of Bermo and Dumka Assembly constituencies, slated to go to polls on November 3, provided that strict precautionary measures are taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

A notification issued by the home, prison and disaster management department on Sunday night said that in closed spaces, a maximum of 50 per cent of the capacity of the facility will be allowed for political gatherings. The count, it further said, will have a ceiling of 200.

In open areas, the political party holding the rally has to ensure that people maintain a gap of six feet during rallies. Besides, every attendee at these political rallies must wear a face mask and maintain hand hygiene. In case, a candidate calls for a rally, then he has to ensure that the due precautionary measures are adhered to, the notification stated.

As per the SOP set by the government, prior permission from district authorities must be obtained for holding election rallies, and the district administration must decide the number of attendees that are to be allowed in a particular rally.

Dumka and Bermo had relatively fewer cases of Covid-19 than Ranchi and East Singhbhum. As per figures with the state health department, there were 174 active cases of infection in Dumka district and 381 in Bokaro, under which Bermo constituency falls.

However, thermal scanners and hand sanitizers must be made available during all the rallies. Circles must be marked on the ground to ensure distance between people, the SOP stated. For venues where attendees are expected to sit, chairs should be placed at a distance of at least six feet. All indoor venues must also be sanitized prior to such gatherings, it added.