Hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, religious places and offices in containment zones shall remain closed, except for medical and essential services, according to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.
It said these establishments would be open only outside the containment zones and only asymptomatic staff members, guests and visitors would have access to these areas. No gathering or crowding of any kind would be permitted.
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Persons aged above 65, those with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 are still advised to stay at home, except for essential and healthcare purposes.
In its SOPs for restaurants, hotels and shopping malls, the Ministry said the staff members and guests were to be allowed entry only if they were using face cover/masks. “The face cover/mask has to be worn at all times inside the hotel and adequate manpower shall be deployed by hotel management for ensuring social distancing norms. Staff should additionally wear gloves and take other required precautionary measures.”
All employees who are at higher risk — older employees, pregnant employees and those