Covid-19: Malls, cinema halls, gyms closed in Chandigarh
Grocery and medicine shops in malls will be allowed to operate; masks and sanitisers under Essential Commodities Act
The Chandigarh administration on Monday directed closure of shopping malls, cinema halls, gyms, nightclubs, swimming pools, coaching centres, spa centres and video game parlours till March 31, in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
Announcing a slew of precautionary measures, the administration also banned all cultural, political, religious, social, sports, academic and family mass gatherings of more than 100 people. The development comes even as no positive case has been reported in the city and its surrounding areas yet.
The administration also postponed the door-to-door census work, which was to start on April 1.
To ensure adequate supply of masks and sanitisers in the market, the administration decided to declare them essential items under the Essential Commodities Act till June 30. The possibility of capping their prices will also be explored.
The decision on precautionary measures was taken in a meeting chaired by Punjab governor and UT administrator VPS Badnore on Monday. The neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana have already announced such restrictions in the past couple of days.
“After closing schools and colleges, it was decided to shut down malls and cinema houses to discourage students from gathering there. In any case, the gathering of more than 100 people is not allowed,” said UT adviser Manoj Kumar Parida, addressing a press conference after the meeting.
However, grocery and medicine shops have been allowed to operate in shopping malls to ensure adequate supply, he said.
Following the order, the Elante Mall said in a release: “The safety of our patrons, retailers, and staff is of utmost importance to us. As per the advisory from the Chandigarh administration to contain the outbreak of Covid-19, Elante Mall will remain shut until further notice. However, Big Bazaar and Holland and Barrett (Apollo Pharmacy) which are on the lower ground floor shall remain operational to meet your staple and medical needs. The restaurants in the courtyard shall be operational and be accessible through Gate No. 3.”
Apni mandis, markets to stay open for now
Clarifying that community clubs, such as Chandigarh Club, Press Club and Golf Club, have not been closed, Parida, said: “We don’t expect too much physical proximity in such clubs unlike nightclubs, discotheques and pubs.” However, swimming pools and gyms at these clubs have been directed to be closed.”
Stating that offices, both government and private, have not been asked to close down, he said: “The administration will appeal to companies having more than 100 employees to encourage their staff to work from home.”
The Chandigarh deputy commissioner has also been directed to hold meetings with representatives of religious bodies over the issue of public gatherings.
Meanwhile, apni mandis and markets in the city will remain open for the time being.
Satish Kumar, supervisor of the Punjab mandi board, said: “We have not received any communique from the administration yet. The mandi was held on Monday in Sector 45. Unless there are any directions, mandis will be held in Sectors 29 and 50 and Dhanas on Tuesday.”
Markets will also remain open, but precautions will be taken, said Charanjiv Singh, chairman of Chandigarh Beopar Mandal. He said shopkeepers will take precautions at their own end, but no common advisory has been issued as the footfall has already fallen significantly.
Meanwhile, after ordering the closure of schools, colleges and anganwadis in the past three days, the UT administration on Monday also directed the closure of all creches with immediate effect till March 31. However, the staff have to report to work for cleaning and sanitising work. Parents have been advised to not let children attend any large gathering during this period.
