Chandigarh Unlock 2 Guidelines: No More Odd-Even Rule For Shops; But Bars To Remain Shut

Apni Mandies, Organic Markets and inter-state bus service will continue to remain suspended, till further order.

Photo: AFP (Representative Image)

Amid the surging number of Coronavirus cases in Punjab, the Chandigarh administration on Wednesday chaired a  COVID-19 review meeting where it was decided to end the odd-even rules and allow all shops and restaurants to operate normally between 10 am and 9 pm. However, the bars will remain shut in the Union Territory.

The review chaired by UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore, who is also Governor of Punjab, came up with the conclusion that "The odd-even system, presently followed in select markets, will be discontinued. This will also apply to street vendors."

The admin further said that Apni Mandies, Organic Markets and inter-state bus service will continue to remain suspended, till further order. However, Call centres and Industrial establishments will be allowed to operate night shifts provided their employees do not come out of the office or factory premises during curfew period from 10 pm to 5 am.

Regarding rules for motorists in the city, the administration decided that maximum two persons on a scooter or motorcycle, 4 persons in a car and 3 persons in an auto-rickshaw will be allowed (including the driver). However, all riders will use masks and the vehicles will be regularly sanitized by the owners.

Chandigarh Administration also announced mandatory rules for foreign returnees. As per the latest development, all foreign returnees have to, immediately on arrival, undergo 7 days of mandatory institutional quarantine at an approved facility on payment basis followed by 7 days of home isolation if the person tests negative in first 7 days.

The admin placed a complete ban on social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large gatherings. In addition to this, cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, spas, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will remain shut till further notice.

Chandigarh on Wednesday reported six new cases of Coronavirus, taking the union territory's total tally to 446. The city has so far recorded 19 deaths. Active cases in Chandigarh have now shot up to 73. Punjab reported 101 fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases 5,668 including 3,989 discharges and 149 deaths: State Health Department.

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