East Jaintia Hills: DM issues COVID-19 protocols for shopkeepers, wedding and event

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 3, 2020

In pursuance to the Government and in view of the pandemic situation arising out of the COVID-19 and in easing the lockdown, the District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District has issuedprotocols post relaxation for conduct of shop keepers and weddings in churches, temples, mosques and other places of worship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The order states that all shopkeepers, staff members will have to compulsorily wear face masks during operation of business or shops and mask should be worn in a correct manner and not removed while talking. They should compulsorily follow social distancing while conduct of business and should ensure that customers coming to their shops should wear a face mask and maintain social distancing.

Additionally, shopkeepers of medium and large sized standalone shops should provide hand sanitizers at the entrance, to ensure that there is minimum 1-2 meter distance among customers as well as the staff members inside the shop and not more than 5 persons should be inside the shop. For those items that need to check before buying, shopkeepers should ensure that customers sanitize their hands before touching them, for example, in case of optical stores; it is advised that frames once tried should be sanitized before they are placed back.The shopkeepers are also advisedtofrequently sanitize the entire shop and especially points that frequently come into contact with humans, for example door handles, knobs, should be ensured.                                  

According to the Order, the public should also adhere to the protocols for conduct of weddings and events during covid19 pandemic which stated that the venue should be well- ventilated and preferably in an open space based on availability and weather conditions and no air conditioning should be used at the venue. The venue should also be spacious enough to accommodate the guests with social distancing up to 2 meters. The hall or space should be well sanitized and hygienic and inspection will be carried out by an Officer deputed by the District Administration regarding the spacing and sanitization arrangement at the venue. The proprietor are advised to provide Hand sanitizers at the entrance and exit and they should also maintain a list of all attendees, event managers and workers of such event.

The District Magistrate also said that the number of participants shall not be more than 50 including all of the hosts. Senior citizens above the age of 65 and children below the age of 10 should be taken extra care while attending the marriage; the hosts can make arrangement for online viewing of the event. Further, anyone having symptoms of cough, cold or fever should not be allowed to attend the event, gift items that are carried with hands should be avoided and online gifts may be encouraged and all the guests should download and use Aarogya Setu app during and after the event.