It’s nearly all open in Chandigarh, but virus still around, exercise caution

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 8

In a relief to residents and traders, the UT Administration has announced major relaxations in various restrictions imposed in the city since May 4 for effective control of the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Also read: Gender gap in vaccine drive; more men than women jabbed in Chandigarh
• Covid renders 2,400 vendors defaulters, may lose licence
• Covid-19: Panchkula sees no death, 20 cases

With further reduction in the number of coronavirus cases, the UT has decided to allow all shops to remain open from 10 am to 6 pm. The decision was taken at a review meeting, chaired by UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore, here today.

At the meeting, it was also decided to open all restaurants and bars with 50 per cent occupancy from 10 am to 9 pm and also gymnasiums, spas, wellness centres, clubs, barber shops and hair salons with 50 per cent capacity. The authorities also allowed museums and libraries to open. Sukhna Lake will remain open for visitors and walkers from 5 am to 8 pm, but boating will not be allowed. However, it will remain closed on Sunday.

With a sharp decline in the Covid cases, the Administration has withdrawn its earlier order wherein restrictions were imposed on the number of employees attending government and private offices and banks. Similarly, gatherings at marriages and cremations and other events will be restricted to a maximum of 30 persons. Earlier, it was limited to 20 persons at marriage functions and 10 at cremations.

In another major decision, the authorities have allowed shopping malls to remain open from 10 am to 6 pm. However, eating outlets inside the malls can remain open till 8 pm. The Administration has reduced the timings of the night curfew. Now, it will be imposed from 10 pm to 5 am. Earlier, it was in force from 6 pm to 5 am. Providing a major relief in the weekend lockdown, now there will be a total closure only on Sunday and essential shops, including barber shops, will be allowed to open. The movement of vehicles will be strictly restricted during the day.

However, cinema halls and theatres will continue to remain closed. Also, Rock Garden will be closed till further orders. The relaxations will come into force with effect from 6 am and will be applicable until further orders.