Assam permits food delivery, takeaway services after 6 pm

GUWAHATI: 

The Assam Government has allowed home delivery of food and operation of takeaway services in eateries after 6 pm.

The State Government on Wednesday issued certain clarifications regarding the new guidelines to break the COVID-19 transmission chain in the state.

“Restaurants, dhabas and other eateries can entertain dine-in guests only up to 6 pm. However, takeaway/home delivery is allowed up to the usual time of closure as per local regulations,” State Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua clarified through a fresh directive in respect of Clause A (7) of the order issued by the Assam Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday.

“Restaurants operating within a hotel or resort can allow outside guests up to 6 pm only. However, in-house guests of the hotel/resort may be allowed to dine-in up to the usual time of operation,” Barua stated.

“The delivery of essential goods through e-commerce may continue after 6 pm,” he stated.

“Cold storages and warehouses may continue beyond 6 pm. However, sale counters, showrooms, etc attached to these cold storages or warehouses shall close after 6 pm,” the chief secretary clarified.

“Pharmacies, hospitals, animal care centres and veterinary clinics may operate without restrictions, being providers of essential and emergency services,” the order stated.

In view of the rising COVID-19 cases in the state, the State Government on Tuesday issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs), restricting the number of attendees in educational institutions, offices, public functions and directing closure of all marketplaces by 6 pm.

The guidelines, to be effective till April 30, 2021, will however be reviewed later in the week, and accordingly, the SOPs could be either relaxed or made stricter.

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