Covid cases surge, curbs back in Mohali

Tribune News Service

Mohali, January 4

Only 50 per cent of the earlier 1,800 visitors will be allowed to enter Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, popularly known as Chhatbir zoo, after the fresh restrictions imposed in the district in view of a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases.

At present, the authorities had capped the number of visitors to 1,800 per two hours, thrice a day. As per the new orders, now only 900 visitors will be allowed inside the zoo.

As per the fresh orders, all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities and coaching institutions, will remain closed. However, online classes will continue. Medical and nursing colleges may continue to function normally. These orders will remain in force till January 15.

The orders issued by District Magistrate Isha Kalia read, “Wearing of mask by all persons in public places, including workplaces, etc., will be mandatory and must be strictly observed and enforced. Social distancing i.e. minimum 6 feet distance (do gaz ki duri) for all activities should always be maintained. Movement of individuals for all non-essential activities will remain prohibited between 10 pm and 5 am within limits of the district. However, essential activities, including operation of multiple shifts in industry, offices (both government and private), movement of persons and goods on national and state highways and unloading of cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and aeroplanes will be permitted”.

Regarding prohibited/ restricted activities, the orders says: “All bars, cinemas halls, multiplexes, malls, restaurants, spas and museums will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent of their capacity subject to all staff present being fully vaccinated. All sports complexes, stadia, swimming pools and gyms will remain closed (except being used for training of sports persons for participation in national/international sports events as well as for organising national/international sports events). No spectator or visitor will be allowed. AC buses will run at 50 per cent of the capacity”.

As per the orders, only fully vaccinated staff will be allowed to attend government as well as private offices, working spaces, factories and industries. Principle of “no mask - no service” will be strictly adhered to. No service will be provided in government or private offices to persons not wearing proper mask.

Any violations will invite criminal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Orders to remain in force till Jan 15

As per the fresh orders, all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities and coaching institutions, will remain closed. However, online classes will continue. Medical and nursing colleges may continue to function normally. These orders will remain in force till January 15.

The restrictions

• Movement of individuals for all non-essential activities will remain prohibited between 10 pm and 5 am within limits of the district.
• Essential activities, including operation of multiple shifts in industry, offices (both government and private), movement of persons and goods on national and state highways and unloading of cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and aeroplanes will be permitted.
• Only fully vaccinated staff will be allowed to attend government as well as private offices, working spaces, factories and industries.
• AC buses will run at 50 per cent of the capacity.

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