Looking at a fall in COVID-19 cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday further eased the lockdown restrictions, allowing multiplexes, cinema halls, gyms, and sports stadiums to open from next week with strict protocols in place. The new guidelines will come into effect from July 5.
The decision to further unlock Uttar Pradesh was taken during a meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday. However, the weekend lockdown will continue in Uttar Pradesh.
"The business of cinema hall operators has been affected due to COVID-19. Their needs and problems should be considered sympathetically," Yogi Adityanath said while addressing the team constituted for COVID-19 management in the state.
The state government from June 21, had permitted the opening of malls, restaurants, bars, and street food stalls, subject to a maximum of 50% occupancy. The night curfew timings were also altered to allow for two additional hours, new timings now being from 9 pm to 7 am. The weekend curfew also persists, from 9 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday.
Meanwhile, huge crowds were spotted at a vegetable market in Meerut as the administration eased restrictions after witnessing a steep dip in COVID-19 cases. People flocked to the vegetable market flouting COVID norms. Vegetable and fruit vendors also were seen without face masks.