Haryana extends lockdown till June 14, eases restrictions on malls, bars, hotels

CHANDIGARH: Permitting reopening of club houses, restaurants, bars and golf courses, Haryana government on Sunday announced a raft of relaxations in the month-old restrictions imposed to contain the spiraling Covid-19 infections, though the lockdown will continue till June 14 morning.

The unlocking announcements came on the day Haryana recorded a recovery rate of 97.66%, 654 new cases (lowest in the past many weeks) and 48 fatalities, in sharp contrast to 12,885 cases, 140 deaths and a recovery rate of 79.28% when the lockdown came into force on May 3.

According to an order issued by chief secretary Vijai Vardhan,

malls will now open from 10am to 8pm while restaurants and bars, including those inside hotels and malls, will also reopen on Monday from 10am to 8pm, with 50% seating capacity, adopting necessary social distancing norms. The state government has given a green signal for

home delivery of food by hotels, restaurants and eateries up to 10pm.

During the current lockdown period, ending at 5am on June 7, the state government had allowed the reopening of the shopping malls with curbs on entry and permitted shops to open from 9am to 3pm. However, cinema halls, restaurants and bars located inside the malls were not allowed to reopen.

From Monday, shops will open between 9am and 6pm on odd and even basis—shops with odd numbers to open on odd dates and shops with even numbers on even dates.

Religious places will also reopen but with curbs on entry. Only 21 persons will be allowed to enter at a time to maintain social distancing. Corporate offices can open with 50% attendance.

At wedding and funerals/cremations, the cap on gatherings has been put at 21. Besides, wedding functions have been allowed to be organised at places other than homes. The restriction on the movement of ‘Baraat’ procession will continue.