Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 4

Providing further relaxation in restrictions, the UT Administration has decided to keep parks open for morning walkers from 5 am to 9 am in the city.

Amid a surge in the coronavirus cases, the UT Administration has imposed fresh restrictions, which came into force from 5 pm today, for a period of seven days.

Asked about the idea behind opening of the parks for residents, UT Adviser Manoj Parida said, “Many health-conscious people want to develop immunity by doing morning exercise. We have helped the city by giving them an opportunity. It is better to make it legal instead of people doing it illegally till they follow the Covid protocol.” However, Sukhna Lake would not be opened for morning walkers as tourists could gather there in large number and violate the Covid guidelines, he said.

To prevent further spread of the virus, the UT Administration had decided to have limited restrictive measures in the city. However, the night curfew will continue from 6 pm to 5 am every day and the total weekend curfew on Saturday and Sunday will also continue.

The Administration has also decided to close all Sampark centres in the city till May 11, while the Estate Office the and Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA) will remain closed till Saturday.

Daytime curbs till 5 am on May 11

What’s closed

• All shops selling non-essentials
• Sampark centres till May 11
• Estate Office, RLA till May 8
• Cinema halls, gyms, spa, bar, swimming pools
• Sports complexes
• Ban on social, cultural, sports and political gatherings
• Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, museums & libraries
• Schools, colleges, coaching centres
• Government offices to close at 5 pm

What’s open

• Shops selling milk, bread, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, eggs, meat and groceries, bakeries, opticians and shops dealing in mobile repair
• Hotels, restaurants for takeaway and home delivery
• All government offices and banks
• Public transport
• Hospitals, nursing homes & laboratories
• Gatherings capped at 50 for marriage functions
• Cremation or funeral allowed with 20 persons
• Movement of vehicles allowed during daytime
• Manufacturing industry
• Street vendors dealing in essential items