Unlock 1.0: Govt issues guidelines for opening of malls, hotels and restaurants

New Delhi, June 05: With the nation is stepping towards Unlock 1.0 nearly over 70 days of lockdown, the Health Ministry issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the opening of malls, hotels, and restaurants, which are set to restart operations in non-containment zones across the country from June 8.

 

 

The SOP outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken at particular places to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Malls, hotels, and restaurants, will remain closed in containment areas, those outsides will be allowed to open up under terms outlined by states. The cinema halls, gaming arcades, and children play areas in these establishments will remain closed.

 

Malls are frequented by a large number of people for shopping, entertainment, and food. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, it is important that required social distancing and other preventive measures are followed, the ministry said.

 

 

 

According to the SOP the persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions should be in place mandatorily at the entrance and only asymptomatic customers and visitors will be allowed.

They should wear face cover or masks. Posters and audio-visual media on preventive measures about Covid-19 should be displayed prominently. All employees who are at higher risk like elderly, pregnant women, and those having underlying medical conditions should take extra precautions, the ministry said.