Shrines, shopping malls, restaurants all set to re-open across country today

Religious places, shopping malls, restaurants,  hotels and offices which remained shut due to COVID-19 lockdown, are set to reopen from today. However, such establishments will be allowed to open in only non- containment zones. They will have to follow all the guidelines issued by the Central Government in this regard so that social distancing could be ensured.

As per the guidelines related to religious places, only asymptomatic persons will be allowed and no  physical offerings like prasad and distribution or sprinkling of holy water is permitted. Touching statues, idols, and holy books in places of worship will be  strictly prohibited and use of face masks will be mandatory. The individuals have been asked to maintain a distance of six feet. Community kitchens, langars and Ann-Daan at religious places should follow physical distancing norms while preparing and distributing food.

Delhi state borders will be opened from today. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that only residents of the National Capital will be treated in state’s hospitals till the time COVID pandemic lasts. He also informed that barring hotels and banquet halls in the city, malls,



restaurants and places of worship will open from today.

Mr Kejriwal said, the state government received over 7 lakh suggestions from the residents regarding the issue of treatment of patients in Delhi hospitals.

He informed that the state cabinet has taken the decision after considering the suggestions both from the residents and the expert panel which was constituted by the government. He said, the expert panel under the chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of Indraprastha University, has stated in their report that Delhi will need around 15 thousand additional hospital beds by the end of this month, to take care of COVID patients.

Under the new set up, private hospitals and Delhi government hospitals in the city will be reserved only for the residents of Delhi. However, Central Government hospitals and hospitals providing special treatment or surgery will remain open for everyone.

Mr. Kejriwal, citing higher risk for senior citizens and those with co-morbidities has urged them to stay at home and take special precaution in light of the prevailing situation.