J&K govt announces partial unlock; here is what will open and what not

Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir administration has announced a partial unlocking in view of the decrease in the number of Covid19 cases.

According to an order issued by the State Executive Committee of the Disaster Management Department, standalone shops, restaurants, and higher educational institutions with certain conditions are allowed to function.

Among others, standalone shops of all types are permitted to open on alternate day basis or a rotation system on weekdays except on Saturdays and Sundays as per a
roster to be issued by concerned DCs. “Outdoors bazaars and outdoor shopping complexes are also permitted to open on alternate day basis or a rotation system (except on Saturdays and Sundays) as per a roster to be issued by concerned DCs. However, in case of indoor shopping malls, only 25% of the total shops shall be allowed to open as per a roster to be issued by the DCs in consultation with the Malls’ management,” reads an order by Chief Secretary and Chairperson, State Executive Committee, BVR B.V.R Subrahmanyam, a copy of which lies with GNS.

“Barber Shops, Saloons / Parlours are permitted to open on three days in a week (except on Saturdays and Sundays) as per a roster to be issued by concerned DCs.”

Public transport—matadors, mini-buses and buses etc—has been permitted to ply only at 50% of the authorized seating capacity. “District Superintendents of Police shall ensure compliance to this effect.” Taxis and Cab aggregators are also permitted to operate at 50% capacity while auto-rickshaws /three wheelers are permitted to ply without any restrictions.

Religious places and places of worship shall continue to remain open for public, subject to the SOP already issued in this regard, the order said.

The ceiling on the number of people permitted at attend gatherings/functions shall be 20 in case of funerals and 25 for all other kinds of social/ religious gatherings, whether indoors or at outdoors venues.

“Restaurants shall be allowed to open on all days (except on Saturdays and Sundays) only for home-delivery of orders and room service of residents.”

No entry of customers shall be permitted even for self take-away of orders. However, Bars shall not be permitted to open till further orders, the order said.

Canteens and eateries at Bus stands, Railway stations and Airports are permitted to open on all days, it said.

“Sportspersons are permitted to resume their training and activities in outdoor Sports stadia / grounds. However, indoor sports complexes and Swimming Pools shall continue to remain closed,” it said, adding, “Liquor shops are permitted to open on three days a week (except on Saturdays and or Sundays) as per a roster to be issued by concerned DCs.”

The existing guidelines and SOPs in place for compulsory testing of all incoming passengers/ travelers to J&K shall be strictly enforced, it said.

“Everyone will have to compulsorily undergo a COVID-19 antigent test as prescribed by the protocol in use and may be subjected to quarantine if necessary as per protocol in use.”

Ziraat Times here produces the general Instructions issued by the DMD on Sunday.

• These instructions are being issued for regulating activities that are to be permitted during the extended period of COVID related restrictions in pursuance of MHA’s order No.40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 27.05.2021. These instructions shall remain in force till further orders, unless modified or withdrawn earlier.

• No permission/passes are required for activities which were already permitted under earlier orders. All instructions relating to safety, health precautions, social distancing, etc., continue to apply.

Requlated activities in entire UT of J&K:

• All activities shall continue to be permitted / regulated in the UT w.e.f., 31″ May, 2021,outside the containment zones, till further orders. The following activities, however, shall beprohibited or requlatedstrictly in terms of the SOPs (List at attachment-C) issued by the Central / UT government in the past-

• • Opening of schools, colleges, higher educational institutions, Technical/

Skill institutions – Teaching in all these institutions will be in on-line mode.

• • • All schools and coaching centers in J&K shall continue to remain closed for impartinq on-campus / in-person education to students of all classestill 15.06.2021.

• • • All Schools, Colleges, Technical Education and Skill Development Institutes shall not require in person attendance of any member of the staff. The teaching staff shall conduct online classes only from their homes. The concerned departments will issue guidelines in this regard.

• • • The Universities shall be permitted to seek in person attendance of minimal staff only for research/lab/thesis work etc.

With inputs from GNO