Lockdown 4.0: Chandigarh call today : The Tribune India

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Food for thought: Labourers take rest at the newly shifted vegetable market in Sector 17, Chandigarh, on Sunday night. Some of them are unable to cook food for want of a kitchen and are dependent on subsidised diet given by the Administration for Rs10 in the afternoon. They have urged the Administration to provide them with the subsidised diet in the evening too. photo: Pradeep Tewari

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 17

As the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allowed opening of shops and markets with staggered timings, the UT Administration will take a final call on opening of shops on either sides of the main roads and in Sector 17 tomorrow.

As per the new guidelines issued for the fourth phase of the lockdown beginning tomorrow, the MHA stated that the local authorities should ensure that shops and markets open with staggered timings, so as to ensure social distancing. All shops will have to ensure six feet distance among customers and also not allow more than five persons at one time.

The UT Administration may allow inter-state movement of vehicles and buses with mutual consent of the states/UTs concerned and also intra-city movement of buses. Schools, colleges, educational and training/coaching institutions will remain closed, but online/ distance learning will be permitted and encouraged in the city.

The UT may allow the restaurants to operate kitchens for home delivery of food items. The step would help students and other persons living in rented accommodations without kitchen.

As per the new guidelines, the Centre has allowed several more relaxations outside the containment zones to restart economic activity. Now, the UT can demarcate the red zone as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Administration may decide on other relaxations to be given outside the containment zone on the basis of its assessment of the situation. It may prohibit certain other activities or impose restrictions as deemed necessary.

The new guidelines permit barber shops, salons and shopping complexes to open. However, the UT Administration will take a call on opening of these establishments and running of auto-rickshaws and taxis after a meeting tomorrow.

The Administration may permit opening of sports complexes and stadia only for sports activities. However, spectators would not be allowed in these complexes.

The night curfew will remain in force for all non-essential activities between 7 pm and 7 am. Also, only essential activities will be allowed in containment zones.

UT Adviser Manoj Parida said fresh guidelines in conformity with the directions of the MHA would be issued for the city tomorrow.

Protection for vulnerable persons

Vulnerable persons like those above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10, to stay home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.