Chandigarh: More shops may open from Monday

CHANDIGARH: The city may allow more shops to open from Monday in a set of fresh relaxations after the central government on Sunday evening announced the fourth leg of lockdown in the country to stem the spread of novel coronavirus till May 31.
For city, what it means is that the night curfew will remain. People will be allowed to move around at the old time of 7am to 7pm. The administration will take a decision on opening shops situated on main roads and sector dividing roads on Monday. Sources, however, said these shops will get the nod to open their shutters downed since the lockdown came into force in the last week of March. But that too will be on the odd-even policy and in a restricted manner. At the moment, neighbourhood markets are allowed to open from 10am to 6pm.
Another big decision the administration is going to take will be on allowing cabs, autos and buses in the city. Chances of more vehicular movement within the city and the Tricity are high. Salons can also get the nod to open. Sports complexes too may open but without spectators. It is expected that the Sector 16 cricket stadium and sports complexes in sectors 42 and 46 might open.
“The decision regarding the relaxations in Chandigarh during the fourth lockdown will be decided during the war room meeting to be chaired by Punjab governor and UT administrator V P Singh Badnore on Monday. Some relaxations, mainly related to opening of shops, are expected. A call on resumption of public transport, cabs, autos and interstate buses will too be taken,” sources said.
However, UT adviser Manoj Parida tweeted, “Status quo will continue in Chandigarh till formal orders are issued by the administration...”
Schools, colleges and coaching institutes will remain closed, according to the ministry orders. All cinema halls, malls, gymnasium, swimming pools, entertainment parks, bars, auditoriums and assembly halls too will remain closed.
As Chandigarh falls under the red zone, the UT will continue to be demarcated under containment and buffer zones. There will be strict checks to ensure there is no movement of people in the containment zones, except emergency medical facilities and supply of essential goods.
The ministry has allowed restaurants to open their kitchens for home deliveries. By Monday, city residents will know whether they can order food or not.