Unlock 5 J&K govt permits reopening of bars, theaters with 50 % seating capacity
Jammu: Giving more relaxations in the restrictions imposed for combating the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday allowed functioning of bars, restaurants, entertainment parks and cinema theatres with 50 percent seating capacity outside the containment zones.
Moreover, the government also enhanced the limit of gathering in all social functions and also allowed 7000 pilgrims per day for Shri Mata Vashino Devi Shrine.
Apart from this, the government also announced that the educational institution to remain close till October 31st and makes Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) mandatory for all travelers.
“Theaters will be permitted to open, up to 50% of their seating capacity outside the containment zones only, with effect from October 15, strictly as per the SOP issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,” reads Standard operating Procedure (SoPs) issued by J&K government .
As per the SoPs, the Bars in restaurants, hotels will be permitted to open, in areas outside containment zones only, subject to norms of social distancing and health precautions
Pointers
• No passes required for any kind of movement.
• Edu institutions to remain closed till Oct 31st .
• Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra’s limit raised to 7000.
• Theatres can function at 50 % capacity 15th Oct.
• Religious Processions continue to remain prohibited.
• Testing for travelers to continue.
• Spectators allowed in Sports complexes.
“Entertainment Parks and similar places will be permitted to open, Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions will be permitted to open in areas outside the containment zones only strictly as per the SOP issued by centre,” the order reads.
The order further reads that the gatherings will be permitted beyond the limit of 100 persons outside containment zones after October 15, in closed spaces a maximum of 50 percent of hall capacity will be allowed subject to a ceiling of 200 persons and in open spaces, keeping the size of ground open space in view and with strict observance of physical distancing mandatory warning mask and hand sanitizers.
The SOPs also reveals that the religious processions and large religious gatherings continue to remain strictly prohibited while the upper limit of permissible number of pilgrims for Shri Mata Vashino Devi will be enhanced now at 7000.
“The CEO, SMVDSB, will be free to fix the ceiling for pilgrims from outside J&K. within the overall limit of 7000. Registration of the pilgrims, however, shall be through online mode only,” read the SoPs.
As per the SoPs, Pithu, Pony and Palki services will be allowed in a phased manner and CEO, SMVDSB may decide on this in consultation with Chairperson, SEC, J&K.
“Swimming Pools being used for training of sportspersons will be permitted to open,” reads the SoPs,”
“The movement of individuals for all non-essential activities between 10 pm to 5 am District Magistrates will issue specific prohibitory orders in this regard under Section 144,” the SoPs read.
“No Deputy Commissioner or any subordinate Magistrate will impose any local lockdown, outside notified containment Zone, without prior consultation with the State Executive Committee, which will required convey its decision only after consulting the MHA,” the SoPs read.
“There will be no restrictions on entry of passengers, returned or travelers coming to Jammu & Kashmir, weather by road, rail or air. However, they will have to compulsorily undergo a COVID-19 antigen test through any of the prescribed method as per the protocol of the Government of J&K, following which travelers will undergo 14 day Home Quarantine if they have a valid contactable phone number with the Aarogya Setu App downloaded on it. The protocol for management COVID positive persons will be followed for all positive cases,” the SoPs read.
The SoPs areas identified by the Deputy Commissioner within a district as a potential zone of infection will be referred to as Containment Zone / Red Zone.
In addition, the Deputy Commissioners have been asked to ensure lockdown in containment zones and ensure 100% coverage of AarogyaSetu App among the residents Containment Zone.
“The Aggressive contact tracing, Home Administrative quarantine of individuals based on the risk assessment by CMOS. Compulsory testing of all cases with Severe Acute Respiratory infection (SARI), Influenza Like illness (ILI) and other similar symptoms specified by MOHFW,” the SOPs read .
“House to house surveillance by special team constituted for this purpose more frequently Private clinics and OPDs are not permitted,” the SOPs read.
