Shopping malls, restaurants, religious places to reopen from tomorrow with strict guidelines

NEW DELHI | JUNE 7, 2020:

After the closure of religious places, malls, restaurants, hotels and offices for more than two months due to nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, Staes and Union Territories are all setting up to reopen from June 8.

Meanwhile, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry had issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to open up these places on June 4.

As per guidelines, generic measures need to be observed by all staff, workers or patrons at all times when visiting malls, restaurants or workplaces.

Maintaining physical distancing of at least 6 feet and use of face covers or masks to be strictly followed.

This involves the strict practice of covering one's mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing of used tissues properly.

Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.

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The mall entrances should mandatorily have sanitiser dispenser and thermal screening provisions. Gaming arcade, children's play area and cinema halls inside the mall will remain closed.

In restaurants, not more than 50 per cent of seating capacity will be permitted. The restaurants have been advised to use disposable menus. All restaurants have been asked to ensure that takeaways are encouraged instead of Dine-In. All staff and patrons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks.

Though hotels have been allowed to reopen, they have to maintain a proper record of the travel history of all the guests and their medical condition. The guests will also have to fill the self-declaration form. The hotels have been ordered to ensure contact-less check-in and check-out and sanitise the luggage before sending it to the rooms.

In the case of religious places, the SOP advises people above 65 years of age, pregnant women, children below the age of 10 years to stay at home. Large gatherings and congregations continue to remain prohibited. Also, touching of statues, idols and holy books is not allowed. No physical offering, prasad or holy water allowed; the devotees have to take off their shoes in their vehicles only. Physical contact should be avoided as much as possible.

However, international air travel, metro rail, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, bars, auditoriums and assembly halls will remain suspended for the time being.

The Centre will decide on reopening of schools and colleges in the second phase in July.