Punjab to open markets, barber, liquor shops, spas from Monday subject to SOP

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 31

In line with the Central Government’s guidelines for Unlock 1.0, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday ordered formulation of clearly defined SOPs/guidelines for opening up of hotels /hospitality services, shopping malls, places of worship, and restaurants for in-dinning, from June 8, 2020, while announcing immediate opening up of shops, including liquor and barber shops, beauty parlours, spas, etc., from Monday in the non-containment zones.

He has directed the Health and Transport Departments to come out with detailed SOPs for permitted activities and movement in this phase of the lockdown, beginning June 1 till June 30, for the areas outside containment zones.

In the containment zones, however, only essential activities shall be allowed and there shall be a strict perimeter control. Such zones will be demarcated by the district authorities after taking into consideration the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

The district authorities would also identify buffer zones outside containment zones wherein restrictions as considered necessary, may be put in place.

As per the directives of the Chief Minister, effective June 1, shops in main bazars will be open between 7 am and 7 pm, and liquor vends can remain open from 8 am to 8 pm.

The DCs have been authorised to exercise their discretion in staggering the timings to avoid crowding, in main bazaars, market complexes and rehri markets.

Subject to compliance with SOPs to be issued by the Health Department, barber shops, hair-cut salons, beauty parlours and Spas are also allowed to open up from tomorrow.

The Chief Minister, however, made it clear that strict compliance would have to be ensured to all SOPs, as well as health and safety protocols, including wearing of masks and social distancing.

E-commerce is now permitted in Punjab for all goods, including non-essential, as per the latest guidelines issued on the directives of the Chief Minister late on Sunday evening.