GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has allowed all the stand alone shops to open from May 4 during the third phase of nationwide lockdown in view of COVID-19 situation. Addressing a press meet in Guwahati, Assam health and finance minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that only stand alone shops will be allowed to remain open till 5 PM. No shops will be allowed to remain open after 6 PM. Curfew will remain in force from 6 PM to 6 AM.
However, in many areas of Guwahati like Fancy Bazar, GS Road where there are numerous shops adjacent to each other, one-third of the shops will be allowed to open each day.
Shops dealing with essential commodities like grocery shops, pharmacies, book stores are exempted from this rule.
“Deputy Commissioner in association with market associations will identify the shops to be opened,” said health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
On the other hand, all cinema halls, gymnasiums, shopping malls, swimming pools, bars will remain shut during the third phase of COVID-19 lockdown in Assam.
Dr. Sarma stated that all cultural, religious, entertainment, social congregation will remain suspended during that period. On the other hand, places of worship will remain shut for the visitors.
The barber shops, beauty parlours will remain shut during the third phase of COVID-19 lockdown in Assam. Meanwhile, All the restaurants, eateries, ice cream parlours will remain open during the third phase of COVID-19 lockdown.
However, no one will be allowed to have food sitting at the restaurants or any other eatery. Only take-away food service will be allowed. On the other hand, app-based food delivery service including Zomato, Swiggy will be permitted to operate.
E-commerce services have been allowed. However, all these relaxations will not be applicable in orange districts. Till now there is no orange zone in Assam. Dr.Sarma also announced that inter-district and intra-district bus services will be allowed with due authority from ASTC. However buses will have to carry only 50 percent passengers.
