Chandigarh shops can now stay open from 9 am-3 pm on weekdays

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 24

Chandigarh administration said it would allow shops to reopen for a few hours on weekdays, a decision that comes as the Covid infection numbers begin to drop in the union territory after the devastating second wave of the virus.

Chandigarh administration said after a meeting on Monday that it would allow non-essential shops to reopen from 9 am to 3 pm.

“It is clarified that salons, barber shops, spas and malls will continue to remain closed. All essential shops like chemists and groceries can remain open till 5:00 pm. Only non-essential to close at 3:00 pm,” UT Adviser Manoj Parida said in a clarification later in the evening.

Shops must be thoroughly sanitised and both staff at such shops as well as customers must wear masks. All Market Associations must ensure masks are available at the shop as well as at entry points to such markets, the order said.

Malls, cinema halls, theatres, museums, gym, libraries, spa, and salons however will remain closed, the order said.

Both Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden will remain closed to the public.

Restaurants could continue with takeaway and home delivery services, but dine-ins will continue to be prohibited.

Night curfew will continue from 6 pm to 5 am.

Weekend lockdown will come into force this weekend on at 6 pm May 28, Friday, until 5 am on Monday, May 31. Only shops selling essentials will be allowed to remain open during this time.

Sampark Centres will remain open but must follow Covid protocols strictly.

The private sector should continue to encourage employees to work from home, but no action will be taken against offices that call back employees where necessary, the order said.

Sports training centres will stay open for national-level athletes and those preparing of the Olympics later this year.