New Delhi (NVI): As the fifth phase of lockdown unfolds across the country with the Centre’s ‘Unlock 1.0’ strategy to contain the spread of coronavirus, shopping malls, religious places, hotels and restaurants reopened in most of the states from today, after more than two months of sustained lockdown.
However, states like Maharashtra and Goa have been barred from opening shopping malls and religious places for now.
The reopening is a part of Phase 1 of the three-phase plan for a calibrated exit from the lockdown, as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
In addition to this, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued by the Health Ministry for malls, restaurants and hotels and are advisory in nature, while the Centre has left it to the states to finetune the details.
The SOPs include measures like allowing only asymptomatic staff and guests inside the premises and proper crowd management.
Safety guidelines like following social distancing protocols, wearing a mask, and installing the ‘Aarogya Setu’ mobile app has been made mandatory for people visiting these places.
In the malls, cinema halls, gaming arcades and children play areas will continue to be in the prohibited segment.
The temples, mosques, and churches have painted social distancing boxes where the devotees will have to stand in queue and wait for their turn, while masks have been made mandatory for all, including the priests as well.
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines, touching of idols or holy books, choir or singing groups, and physical offerings like prasad, distribution of holy water will not be allowed.
Restaurants have also been asked to encourage takeaways instead of dine-in.
