The district administration Srinagar Friday announced the re-opening of markets and shops in the district first time after the pandemic amid strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) from June 13 (Saturday) onwards.
As per an order issued by the district administration Srinagar headed by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary, a copy of which is with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in view of multifarious dimensions involved, suggestions and recommendations were obtained from SKIMS Srinagar, Govt Medical College Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College Bemina and Directorate of Health Services Kashmir , and sector- specific SOPs have been devised taking into account such recommendations and standard protocols notified by the competent authority.
“Detailed deliberations were held with all trade & business organisations and associations viz a viz notification of containment zones in the district and limited permissible activities therein, mandatory observance of SOPs particularly related to mandatory wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing, hygiene and sanitization,” the order reads. “The SOPs notified by the SEC are to be observed in letter and spirit.
The said organisations undertook to ensure that all SOPs are observed for permissible 50% opening of shops in line with SEC notification cited above.
Therefore, in line with the permissible activities and opening of 50% shops provided in the SE notification, consultations held with stakeholders and readiness to observe SOPs and necessary steps for COVID containment expressed by the trade and business organisations.”
The reads that after such assessment, 1. District Magistrate, Srinagar, by virtue of powers vested and provisions contained in The Disaster Management Act 2005, Section 144 CrPC, and The Epidemic Disease Act, notify the following schedule, in District Srinagar, for opening of shops, w.e.f Saturday, 13th
Jude 2020, subject to the conditions notified: Monday to Saturday following shops will remain open full day—“Bookshops, stationery, Chemists, Medical products, Grocery. Fruits, Vegetables, Milk & Milk products, Meat/Poultry, Farming products (Agri/Horti/Sericulture etc). Repair workshops, e-Commerce & courier, Hotels Restaurants for home-delivery/Take-away, bakery, and other essential products.”
The order further said that on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (From 11 am to 5:30 Pm), following shops will remain open—Readymade garments, Cloth shop, Cosmetics, Footwear Electronics & Electric Material, Jewellery, Tailors/Designers/Boutiques. Similarly, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, following shops will remain open— Handicrafts, Handloom, Hardware, Building material, Furniture, Furnishing, Automobiles, Services stations, Saloons Beauty Parlours. Darbers.
“The SOPs contained in Govt of UT of JAK vide Order No.62-JK(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 07-06-2020 for Hotels and Restaurants, Shopping Malls and Salons/Barbershops etc shall be strictly followed. Further, concerned market association shall be responsible for observance of all SOPs,” the order available with the KNO reads, adding that, “Wearing mask and physical distancing shall be mandatory.
Equidistant circle in paint indicating mandatory distance shall be marked outside every shop/establishment. No business shall be transacted in absence of guidelines related to mandatory wearing of Masks and Physical distancing. Every shop / establishment shall be properly sanitized before being made operational Hand sanitizers/ handwash/Soap ete shall also be compulsorily made available at every establishment.”
It said that shopping Malls shall prominently display roster for 50% shops to be opened on alternate days as prescribed in SEC notification quoted above. “ It is strongly advised for all the shopkeepers to download Aarogya Setu Mobile App on their Mobile Phones. While all trade organisations have assured adherence to laid down norms and SOPs in the interest of public health, the Executive Magistrates and SHOs shall ensure strict enforcement and initiate action in case of violations.
Market wise undertaking for this purpose shall be mandatory segregation of trades has been done for maintaining the prescribed 50% number of shops. The local market committees shall ensure that in no case the prescribed number limit is violated. Regular inspection shall be made by concerned officials to avoid violations,” the order reads.
The order said that that night restrictions / Curfew between 8PM to 5AM as notified vide order dated 19.05.2020 shall continue to be in place and only essential services shall be allowed during the period.
As far the public transport, the order reads that three wheelers with 02 Passengers have been allowed under SEC guidelines. Further guidelines will be notified separately after ongoing apacity building for public transport stall. In compliance of Hon ble High Court directions and SEC guidelines cited above No Parking shall be allowed on roads except designated/ notified parking places, the order reads.
The above guidelines and SOPs are only indicative and all the shopkeepers and properties shall, in the interest of public health, ensure that every required measure is taken to ensure COVID-19 containment. “Any violation of these Orders/SOPs/ Instructions notified by SEC O DDMA, shall attract action under Section 51 of The Disaster Management Act 2008. Section 188 IPC and/or Section 03 of Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 apart from other laws applicable.
The trade and business organisations shall make all efforts to ensure observance of SOPs in markets as has been undertaken by them during the consultation process,” the order reads