The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued guidelines for relaxing the lockdown imposed to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the Union territory (UT) from Monday.
According to an order issued by Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary, “all standalone shops, outdoor shopping complexes and outdoor bazaars will reopen with effect from May 31 on alternate or rotation basis on weekdays except Saturdays and Sundays.”
However, all universities, colleges and technical/skill development institutions shall remain closed for in-person education till June 15.
The order said all schools and coaching centres will also remain closed till June 15.
It said cinemas, multiplexes, clubs, gyms, spas, massage centres and paid parks shall continue to remain closed. Barber shops and salons/parlours shall remain open on three days in a week except Saturdays and Sundays.
It said all religious places will remain open subject to the SOPs already in place while restaurants and hotels will remain open only for in-house guests and home delivery.
It said public transport shall remain suspended in districts marked as 'red'.
In the five districts classified as ‘red’ category, public transport will remain suspended. The order said only 25 shops will be allowed to reopen in shopping malls on a roster basis.
However, in case of indoor shopping malls, only 25 per cent shops will be allowed to reopen as per a roster that will be framed by deputy commissioners in consultation with the mall management.
It said public transport has been allowed to ply on roads with 50 per cent seating capacity. Auto rickshaws and three-wheelers have been allowed to ply without any restrictions.
It said the number of people that can attend gatherings and functions shall be 20. In case of funerals and other social and religious gatherings, whether at indoors or outdoors venues, the number has been restricted to 25.
It said there will be curfew from 8pm each Friday till 7am each Monday in the UT. Night curfew will continue in the UT from 8pm to 7am.
