Haryana to open interstate borders from June 1, places of worship from June 8

Haryana government on Sunday issued fresh guidelines for next phase of lockdown and decided to open its interstate borders, including those with Delhi from June 1 and places of worship, hotels and malls from June 8. Seeking to follow Centre's guidelines for next phase of lockdown, starting June 1, state government also decided to allow interstate movement of people and goods. As per fresh guidelines issued by Haryana, lockdown in containment zones will continue till June 30.

Chief Minister M L Khattar held a meeting with some of his senior ministers and officials on late Sunday evening and took a call on Centre's fresh lockdown guidelines, termed as "Unlock 1.0".

“It was decided in meeting that re will be restriction on inter-state and interdistrict movements of people and goods,” a state government statement said after a three-hour meeting which ended late Sunday evening.

In meeting, it was also decided to open all religious places, hotels, restaurants and or hospitality services, besides shopping malls from June 8 in accordance with SOPs, which would be fixed later by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala and Home Minister Anil Vij, besides several senior government officials.

Chief Minister Khattar h summoned meeting in Chandigarh in wake of Centre's issuing fresh guidelines for fifth phase of lockdown beginning June 1. Vij h justified earlier sealing of borders with national capital, saying coronavirus cases in Haryana would have been at par with Delhi h y t been sealed.

Haryana government has maintained that a spurt in infection has been due to rising cases in districts joining national capital owing to cross-border movement of people from Delhi. Vij, however, h at same time said if Centre allows free movement of people after lockdown 4 ends on May 31, state will follow se directions.

In fresh guidelines on Saturday, Centre has said re shall be restriction on interstate and intrastate movement of people and goods and separate permission, approval or e-permit will be required for such movements.                

" state government decided to extend lockdown in containment zones till June 30. It has also been decided to open restricted areas in a phased manner in accordance with provisions of National Disaster Manment Act, and guidelines issued by District Magistrate and concerned department," said statement.

It was decided in meeting that district magistrates can impose restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC on movement of individuals in areas under ir jurisdiction from 9 pm to 5 am except for essential services. In dition, shops will remain open from 9 am to 7 pm, new Haryana guidelines said, ding deputy commissioner concerned can, however, impose suitable restrictions in highly congested markets depending on ir own assessment.

Interstate and intrastate buses will ply as per schedule issued by Transport Department from time to time, guidelines said, ding taxis and cabs too will ply as per existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). guidelines said sports activities can begin from 5 am as against earlier directions from 7 am. earlier instructions issued with regard to sports activities, however, will continue, guidelines stipulated.

It was also decided in meeting that as per Centre's directive for COVID-19 manment, wearing face mask would be compulsory in public places, workplaces and during transport. People will also have to maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from ors in public places, guidelines said, ding, shopkeepers will ensure physical distancing among customers and will t allow more than five persons inside shop at one time.

Large public garings or congregations will continue to remain prohibited, guidelines stipulated, ding in marri related garings, number of guests shall t exceed 50, while up to 20 people can attend last rites of a person. guidelines also decided to allow functioning of offices with 100 percent attendance of Group 'A' and 'B' officials and 75 percent attendance of Group 'C' and 'D' employees.