Now, shop from 10 am to 8 pm

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 1

Now, city residents will not have to bear the scorching heat while shopping. As per the new guidelines issued by the UT Administration, shops will remain open from 10 am to 8 pm outside the containment zones in the city. However, the restrictions on the timings will not apply to shops selling essential items, such as bread, milk, medicines, vegetables and fruits.

Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, president, Chandigarh Traders Association, Sector 17, said these measures would benefit both traders and consumers. Shopkeepers of Sector 30 have requested the Administration to keep the new timings even after the lockdown ends.

UT Adviser Manoj Parida stated that the odd-even stipulations would continue in respect of ‘congested’ markets and the same would apply to the street vendors too.

From June 8, the use of selected community centres would be permitted for holding marriage functions with a gathering of 50 persons, he said, adding that not more than 20 persons would be allowed at the last rites ceremonies. As per the new guidelines, the government offices will function from 10 am to 5.30 pm with 75 per cent staff. From June 8, the department heads may call 100 per cent staff, if required.

However, defence and security services, health and family welfare, police, prisons, home guards, civil defence, fire and emergency services, disaster management and related services, customs and municipal services will function without any such restrictions.

General public can meet officers for their personal grievance redressal, etc, between 11 am and noon.

The private offices will be allowed to call 75 per cent of their staff till June 7 and 100 per cent thereafter. Both government and private offices and other enterprises will encourage employees to work from home and to avoid travel.

The wholesale market in Sector 26 will continue to open and the temporary functioning of the vegetable and fruit market to the ISBT, Sector 17, will continue till further orders. Apni mandis or day markets will not be held till further orders.

Any person violating the measures issued by the UT Administration will be liable to be proceeded against under Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides facing legal action under Section 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions.

SOPs for salons, barbershops in UT

• On the first day of opening, no customer will be allowed. On Day 1, it will be cleaned thoroughly, preferably washed with soapy water/disinfectant.
• On-call prior appointment or token system to be adopted to reduce overcrowding and staggering of clients.
• Seating of service area and waiting space should be arranged in such way that minimum space of at least 1 meter remains between two seats. In small booth type of setting, this can be ensured by allowing 1-2 clients only at a time.
• Thermal temperature measuring equipment will be compulsory at the entry. Hand sanitisers will be available at the entry for clients/staff.
• All equipment should be sanitised after each use on client using 0.5% solution of sodium hypochlorite.
• Floor/common areas/handrails /door-knobs/work table/slab and frequently touching surfaces/objects must be disinfected with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution at least 3-4 times a day.
• Carpets and rugs are not allowed. Floor must be cleaned regularly throughout the service delivery timings.
• Magazines, newspapers and reading material may be avoided. Remotes of TV should also be handled by assigned person and should be disinfected regularly.
• The waste generated in these premises will be kept in three separate bins/bags. The segregated waste should be handed over to the team deployed by the Municipal Corporation.

(i) Green: All bio-degradable like cut hairs/cotton/used paper sheet/paper cups, etc

(ii) Blue: All non bio-degradable (except metal) like plastic sheets/polythene, etc

(iii) Yellow: All sharp and hazardous waste like blades/disposable razors, etc

Guidelines for management & workers

• No member of management/staff/client should be allowed if he/she is having any symptom of Covid-19.
• No member of management/staff/client should be allowed to remain without mask inside premises.
• All members should use hand sanitiser or wash hand frequently.
• All staff members to wear head cover, face mask, gloves and apron at all time compulsorily.
• Staff must sanitise their hands after giving service to a client.
• All staff members/workers must be medically screened every week. Health Department will made arrangements for it.

Guidelines for clients/customers

• No person having any symptom of Covid-19 should visit these facilities.
• No person who is Covid-19 positive or under home quarantine/institutional quarantine/isolation should use these facilities.
• Prefer prior appointment for availing services.
• Prefer digital mode of payment for paying bills.
• Use face mask while using services.
• Wash your hands, clothes and take a bath after availing of service to avoid further spread of infection.
• Don’t keep your wallet/mobile phone on any surface/slab in the shop.
• Prefer minimum visit only when it is utmost necessary.

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