SRINAGAR: The shops, businesses and other establishments have been allowed to operate in a phased manner from May 31 (Tomorrow) while public transport with 50 per cent capacity will also be allowed in Jammu and Kashmir. The schools, colleges and other educational institutes will remain closed till June 15.

As per the order issued by the government, the religious places will open subject to adherence to SOP

A view of Lal Chowk during the snowfall on Monday, January 4, 2020. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

The activities allowed as per the order include:

All Universities, colleges and technical skill development Institutions in J&K shall remain closed for imparting on-campus/in-person education to the students till 16.06.2021, except for the courses/ programs that require physical presence of students on account of laboratory research thesis work and internship etc. Teaching in all these institutions will be in online mode

All schools and coaching centres in J&K shat continue to remain closed for imparting on-campus in-person education to students of all classes till 15.06.2021

All Schools, Colleges, Technical Education and Skill Development Institutes shall not require in-person attendance of any member of the staff. The teaching staff shall conduct online classes only from their homes. The concerned departments will issue guidelines in this regard. The Universities shall be permitted to seek in-person attendance of minimal staff only for research/lab/thesis work etc”

However, such staff of educational institutions as are needed by the concerned District Disaster Management Authorities for official duties shall not be exempted from duties on account of this order.

Even where some institutions are allowed to be opened by specific or general order, educational institutions are strongly advised to take full safety precautions especially by ensuring social distancing, staggered attendance, maintaining sanitation and hygiene, early identification and isolation of suspect cases. An important guideline in MoE’s SOP is also reiterated in this regard

All Cinemas, multiplexes, Clubs, Gyms, Spas, Massage Centers and paid parks shall continue to remain closed. (i) Barber Shops, Saloons / Parlours are permitted to open on three days in a  week (except on Saturdays and Sundays) as per a roster to be issued by concerned DCS.

Standalone shops of all types are permitted to open on an alternate day basis or a rotation system on weekdays (except on Saturdays and Sundays) as per a roster to be issued by concerned DCS. Outdoors bazaars and outdoor shopping complexes are also permitted to open on an alternate day basis or a rotation system (except on Saturdays and Sundays) as per a roster to be issued by concerned DCS. However, in the case of indoor shopping malls, only 25% of the total shops shall be allowed to open as per a roster to be issued by the DCS in consultation with the Malls’ management.

Restaurants shall be allowed to open on all days (except on Saturdays and Sundays) only for home-delivery of orders and room service of residents. No entry of customers shall be permitted even for self take-away of orders. However, Bars shall not be permitted to open till further orders.

Canteens and eateries at Bus stand, Railway stations and Airports are permitted to open on all days.

Sportspersons are permitted to resume their training and activities in outdoor Sports stadia/grounds. However, indoor sports complexes and Swimming Pools shall continue to remain closed.

Liquor shops are permitted to open on three days a week (except on Saturdays and or Sundays) as per a roster to be issued by concerned DCs.

Public transport ( matadors/ mini-buses/ buses etc.) in J&K shall be permitted to ply only at 50% of the authorized seating capacity. District Superintendents of Police shall ensure compliance to this effect. Taxis and Cab Aggregators are also permitted to operate at 50 % capacity. Auto-rickshaws / three-wheelers are permitted to ply without any restrictions.

The ceiling on the number of people permitted to attend gatherings/ functions shall be 20 in case of funerals and 25 for all other kinds of social/ religious gatherings, whether indoors or at outdoor venues.

The existing guidelines and SOPs in place for compulsory testing of all incoming passengers travellers to J&K shall be strictly enforced. Everyone will have to compulsorily undergo a COVID-19 antigen test as prescribed by the protocol in use and may be subjected to quarantine if necessary as per protocol in use.

Religious places/ places of worship shall continue to remain open for the public, subject to the SOP already issued in this regard.

For ease of reference, the list of activity-wise SOPS with their web links is given at Attachment-C C.

Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, shall take extra precautions.

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