Gurugram: Haryana government has allowed the opening of shopping malls in Gurugram and Faridabad districts from July 1 with due adherence to all precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Earlier, the state government had restricted the opening of shopping malls in the districts of Gurugram and Faridabad due to large numbers of COVID-19 infected cases in these two districts while allowing the opening in other municipalities.
The government on Sunday issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for shopping malls to regulate and restrict the number of visitors in these shopping malls in order to maintain social distancing norms.
However, gaming arcades, children play areas and cinema halls inside shopping malls will remain closed. As per the SOPs, thermal scanning and hand sanitisers will be mandatory at the entrance of the malls. Social distancing by maintaining a distance of six feet, wearing of face covers, masks are mandatory for all the workers as well as the visitors in these shopping malls at all times.
“Persons above the age of 65 years and below the age of 10 years, persons with co-morbidities and pregnant women shall not be allowed to visit shopping malls,” the order read.
“All shops, stalls, cafeteria etc. outside and within the premises of shopping malls shall follow social distancing norms at all times. Staggering of visitors shall be done to ensure not more than 50 per cent of seating capacity at any particular time,” it further read.
Apart from it, use of escalators with one person on alternate steps should be encouraged. Specific markings to be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and social distancing in the premises. Cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, elevator buttons, hand rails, benches, washroom fixtures etc. was mandatory in all malls in common areas as well as inside shops, elevators, escalators etc.
Also, malls will have disinfection processes for air conditioning and air ventilation systems, alternate seating arrangements at F&B outlets, isolation rooms for visitors and employees with symptoms, etc.
Meanwhile, the official of Municipal Corporation of Gurugram will monitor the compliance of the SOPs by the shopping malls as well as the visitors and in any case of violations of the guidelines notice, challans will be issued against the violators.
