DM orders further relaxation in activities in areas outside Containment Zones

DM orders further relaxation in activities in areas outside Containment Zones

Harshabab Sidhu
Nabaz-e-Punjab, Mohali, October 14:
In consonance with the orders of Department of Home, Government of Punjab ,Girish Dayalan, District Magistrate, has issued orders under section 144 of CrPC allowing more activities in areas outside Containment Zones after October 15.
As per the orders, schools and coaching institutions to reopen in a graded manner after October 15 subject to the conditions that On-line/distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged. Students of only classes 9th to 12th are permitted to attend schools/institutions with the parental consent of each student and without making attendance compulsory. Attendance must not be enforced and must depend entirely on parental consent.
Besides, schools which are being allowed to open will have to mandatorily follow the SOP to be issued by the Department of School Education in consultation with the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Punjab.
Higher Educational Institutions only for research scholars (Ph.D) and postgraduate students in science and technology streams requiring laboratories/experimental works are also permitted to open after October 15 on condition that the Head of Institution (For centrally funded Higher Education Institutions)will satisfy herself/himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars (Ph. D) and post-graduate students in science and technology streams requiring laboratories/ experimental works.
All other Higher Education Institutions e.g. State Universities, Private Universities are also permitted to open from 15th October 2020 only for research scholars (Ph.D) and post-graduate students in science and technology streams requiring laboratories/experimental works.
Moreover, swimming pools to be used for sportspersons are allowed to open as per SOP to be issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S), Government of India.
Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions are allowed to open as per SOP to be issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), Government of India.
Social /academic/ sports/entertainment/cultural/ religious/ political functions including weddings and funerals and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones only. Such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons are permitted outside Containment Zones with effect from October 15 subject to the following conditions that in closed spaces, a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity is allowed with the ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer shall be mandatory. In open spaces, it should be keeping the size of the ground/space in view, with the prior permission of the concerned SDM Mohali.
Any violations shall invite criminal proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the Indian Penal Code, 1860.