Malls, restaurants, gyms to open in Chandigarh

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 8

Chandigarh Administration decided to allow restaurants, malls, gyms, wellness centres, clubs, spas, museums, and libraries to open up to the public—a development that comes as the union territory continues to report a decline in Covid-19 cases after a devastating second wave of infections.

Orders issued by the Chandigarh Administration on Tuesday said all shops and malls could stay open between 10 am and 6 pm. Food courts and eating establishments in malls could stay open until 8 pm.

Theatres and cinema halls however continue to remain closed.

Restaurants, bars, and eating establishments could remain open at 50 per cent capacity between 10 am and 9 pm.

Covid protocol must be strictly adhered to, the order said. Shopping areas must be regularly santised. Any violation would be penalised, the order said.

Night curfew will continue to be imposed between 10 pm and 5 am. Weekend lockdowns will also continue with only shops selling essentials remaining open. Vehicular movement will be restricted.

Malls must arrange for patrons’ to be screened and their body temperatures checked before they enter the premises. They must also ensure prevent crowding in shops.

Gyms, wellness centres, clubs and spas will stay open at 50 per cent capacity.  Owners must ensure that those using these facilities are vaccinated and that Covid protocol is adhered to, the order said.

Museums and libraries will also open.

Gatherings for weddings, cremation, or any other event will be restricted to 30 people.

Sukhna Lake will remain open to visitors from 5 am to 8 pm, but there will be no boating.

The lake will be closed for the public on Sunday.

"All these relaxations will be reviewed and can be withdrawn too if Covid protocol is not strictly followed. Nobody can rule out the third wave," UT Adviser Manoj Parida said.

What’s allowed

—Restaurants

—Malls

—Gyms

—Wellness centres

—Clubs

—Spas

—Museums

—Libraries

—Sukhna Lake

What’s not

—Theatres and cinema halls

What else

—Dine-in services at restaurants, bars and eating establishments could remain open at 50 per cent seating capacity between 10 am and 9 pm.

—Night curfew to continue between 10 pm and 5 am

 —Weekend lockdowns to continue

—Social gatherings to be limited to 30 people