MARGAO
South Goa district Magistrate Ruchika Katyal (IAS) in an order issued late Wednesday has shut down a number of activities, besides establishments, facilities and events under Section 144 of the CrPC.
Casinos, bars, sports complex/auditoriums/community halls or similar places, river cruises/water park/entertainment parks, gyms/spa, massage parlours/saloon, cinema halls, theatres, multiplex, entertainment zones in shopping malls; swimming pools; schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions except for examinations of college students have been shut down.
Religious places for the public have been closed, but the custodian of such establishment has been allowed to carry out regular activities. Weekly markets have also been shut down.
The district Magistrate’s order has also prohibited activities, including social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/cultural functions and other congregations, except for events with the permission of the government, marriages with 50 or less people with permission from DM/SDM and cremation with less than 20 people.
The order also prohibits gathering of five or more persons at public places, except for official functions or with permission from DM/SDM, use of buses except for people going for duty purpose and medical emergencies with a maximum capacity of 50%
The order, however, has granted exceptions to above restrictions/prohibitions by allowing restaurants up to 50 % capacity from 6 am to 9 pm, however restaurant kitchens will be allowed to provide home delivery/takeaways any time.
Fish market and Municipal/Panchayat markets will be allowed to function only with proper arrangements for enforcement of Covid appropriate behaviour, distancing, use of masks, etc., Shops and establishments to remain operational except between 9 pm to 6 am.
However, industries/factories and other essential offices/utilities such as government offices and PSUs, local bodies, medical and health facilities, agricultural related activities, constructions related activities, chemists, groceries/eatables, hotels, the print and electronic media, telecommunication and internet services, banks, insurance, ATMs, petrol pumps, LPG cylinder services shall be functional.
The order has also issued an advisory or strict compliances:
*All non-government employers are advised to actively plan for and promote work from home for employees working in their shops/establishments/factories and physical presence should be sought only if essential,
*All employers should enforce staggered timings for arrival and departure of their employees,
*All employers are advised to ensure that employees with symptoms, like cough, cold, fever, or if they are short of breath, etc., are to remain home and take appropriate medical care,
*Crowding in lifts, staircases, corridors, common areas including refreshment kiosk and parking areas is to be strictly avoided,
*Divyangs and parents with children having special needs are advised to work from home.
The Magistrate has warned of action under the Disaster Management Act and under section 188 of the IPC against those contravening the order.
