Raj govt issues orders to open hotels, malls

nJAIPUR: The Rajasthan government on Saturday issued orders allowing hotels, restaurants and malls to open from June 8 while adhering to the Covid-19 protocols, like wearing masks and social distancing.

An order by home secretary Rajeev Swarup said, “In continuation of the implementation of lockdown 5.0 order dated May 31, hotels, restaurants, malls will be permitted to open from June 8.”

Hospitality businesses have been shut since the implementation of the nationwide lockdown in March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease. Following central government orders, the states are opening up sections of the economy to gradually tide over the crisis brought in by the lockdown.

The order said that the hospitality industry would be allowed to open on the condition that they follow the guidelines issued by the Union ministry of health and family welfare.

The order stated that restaurants too would be required to follow all the standard operating procedures given by the union health ministry on preventive measures in restaurants to contain spread of COVID-19.

As per the order, a distance of six feet would be mandatory between tables at a restaurant.

Eateries with the arrangement of standing tables will have to ensure a distance of at least eight feet between the tables, and not more than two guests per table. Shopping malls in the state will also be allowed to open with the central guidelines.

The guidelines issued by the centre include measures such as temperature checks of visitors and staff, masks, social distancing and staggering of visitors. Cinema halls, children’s play areas and gaming zones in these establishments will remain shut.