Abid Bashir
Srinagar (NVI): For the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Kashmir, the Srinagar administration today announced re-opening of shops and malls with fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SoPs) and other precautions, focusing on social distancing and wearing of masks.
The announcement comes a day after Srinagar trade bodies held hectic deliberations with the district administration headed by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary, where the majority of the traders stressed on the need of re-opening markets citing ailing economy of the Valley. During the meeting, the traders gave a written undertaking on following SoPs in a proper manner and maintaining social distancing, besides wearing of masks.
Chairman of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), an amalgam of various trade bodies, Muhammad Yaseen Khan, welcomed the Srinagar administration’s decision stating that “all the guidelines will be followed in spirit.” Markets were closed as part of the Lockdown-1, soon after the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Srinagar on March 19.
An order issued by the district administration said that in view of multifarious dimensions involved, suggestions and recommendations were obtained from SKIMS Srinagar, Govt Medical College Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College Bemina and Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, and sector-specific SOPs have been devised taking into account such recommendations and standard protocols notified by the competent authority.
“Detailed deliberations were held with all trade & business organisations and associations viz a viz notification of containment zones in the district and limited permissible activities therein, mandatory observance of SOPs particularly related to mandatory wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing, hygiene and sanitization,” the order read.
“The SOPs notified by the SEC are to be observed in letter and spirit. The said organisations undertook to ensure that all SOPs are observed for permissible opening of shops in line with SEC notification cited above. Therefore, in line with the permissible activities and opening of shops provided in the SEC notification, consultations held with stakeholders and readiness to observe SOPs and necessary steps for COVID containment expressed by the trade and business organisations,” it said.
The order further read “After assessment, District Magistrate, Srinagar, by virtue of powers vested and provisions contained in The Disaster Management Act 2005, Section 144 CrPC, and The Epidemic Disease Act, notify the following schedule, in District Srinagar, for the opening of shops, from Saturday (June 13).”
“Monday to Saturday—following shops will remain open full day—Bookshops, stationery, Chemists, Medical products, Grocery. Fruits, Vegetables, Milk & Milk products, Meat/Poultry, Farming products (Agri/Horti/Sericulture etc). Repair workshops, e-Commerce & courier, Hotels Restaurants for home-delivery/Take-away, bakery, and other essential products,” it added.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday (From 11 am to 5:30 Pm), following shops will remain open— Readymade garments, Cloth shop, Cosmetics, Footwear Electronics & Electric Material, Jewellery, Tailors/Designers/Boutiques.
Similarly, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, following shops will remain open— Handicrafts, Handloom, Hardware, Building material, Furniture, Furnishing, Automobiles, Services stations, Saloons Beauty Parlours.
“The SOPs contained in Govt of UT of JAK vide Order No.62-JK(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 07-06-2020 for Hotels and Restaurants, Shopping Malls and Salons/Barbershops etc shall be strictly followed. Further, concerned market association shall be responsible for observance of all SOPs,” the order said.
“Wearing mask and physical distancing shall be mandatory. Equidistant circle in paint indicating mandatory distance shall be marked outside every shop/establishment. No business shall be transacted in absence of guidelines related to mandatory wearing of Masks and Physical distancing. Every shop/establishment shall be properly sanitized before being made operational Hand sanitizers/ handwash/Soap etc shall also be compulsorily made available at every establishment,” it added.
In addition to this, the order said that night restrictions/curfew between 8 PM to 5 AM as notified vide order dated 19.05.2020 shall continue to be in place and only essential services shall be allowed during the period. As far as public transport is concerned, the order said that three-wheelers with two passengers has been allowed.
