UT admn lifts curbs on social gatherings
Comes into force from Feb 1; though cap on attendees removed, SOPs to be followed strictly

HT Correspondent

chandigarh@hindustantimes.com

Chandigarh : The Chandigarh administration on Friday decided to remove restrictions on the number of people that can gather at a social event. However, standard operating procedures issued by the Centre will be followed strictly.

The decision was taken in the Covid-19 review meeting presided over by administrator VP Singh Badnore on Friday. The new guidelines will come into effect from February 1 and will remain in force till February 28.

The central government in its latest guidelines removed the cap on the number of people who could be part of social, cultural, religious, political or sports gatherings, which until now was limited to a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity with a ceiling of 200 people. The states and union territories were given freedom to prepare their own SOPs in this regard.

The order to the effect, issued by UT adviser Manoj Parida, stated that the new guidelines issued by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) would be applicable to Chandigarh.

MHA guidelines also allow cinema halls and theatres to operate at higher seating capacity than the current 50%. Also, everyone can use swimming pools, instead of just sportspersons. Revised SOPs will be issued for both cinemas and swimming pools by the central government.

“Chandigarh being a union territory will follow the cental government directions. Even though capping has been removed, strict adherence to Covid-19 protocol will be maintained,” said Parida.

As per the new guidelines, the administration will take all necessary measures to promote Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and ensure wearing of face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing. The administration will demarcate containment zones, if required, at micro level, taking into consideration the guidelines prescribed by the ministry of health and family welfare.

Badnore appealed to the citizens to follow Covid appropriate behaviour. He also directed the administration to move the Centre to introduce a scheme for providing ₹50 lakh compensation in the event of the death of any employee engaged in Covid duty. Presently, the grant is available only for health employees, and not frontline workers from other departments.