GURUGRAM: As Covid cases continue to decline, the Haryana government has eased lockdown restrictions further and allowed corporate offices to function with full capacity.
Until now, offices had been permitted to open with only 50% attendance.
Similarly, the cap on the number of guests has been increased from 21 to 50 at weddings, funerals and cremations. However, wedd-ing processions would not be allowed. At places of worship, no more than 50 devotees would be allowed and they have to follow strict Covid behaviour like maintaining social distance and regular sanitisation.
Although the government eased the curbs significantly, it extended the lockdown by another week till June 28.
Corporate leaders backed the government decision to reopen offices with full attendance. This is a crucial step for Gurugram, which is home to a number of multinationals and IT companies.
“We appreciate this relaxation as for some industries, it is pretty much important to resume economic activity. For those of us working in software industries, it is not that crucial to meet somebody in person. We will observe the situation before calling people to office. We are definitely not going back to full normal for the next few months. We don’t want to be caught on the wrong foot during the third wave,” said Manas Fuloria, the CEO of Nagarro.
On May 3, the state government had enforced the lockdown as cases increased by leaps and bounds. Since then, the government has been extending it every week. However, it started announcing relaxations in phases from May 24.
Shops have been allowed to open from 9am to 8pm and malls from 10am to 8pm. Similarly, restaurants and bars can function from 10am to 10pm with 50% capacity. The timings are similar for eateries and club houses in golf courses too. Sports complexes can also stay open, but no spectators are allowed.
These apart, all production units, establishments and industries have been allowed to operate. However, swimming pools and spas will continue to remain shut.
Deputy commissioner Yash Garg said, “It is a gradual process to ease curbs and our teams are continuously monitoring the situation. We have been ensuring strict enforcement of mask discipline and social distancing measures are being followed at public places. We are also appealing to people for their cooperation in following Covid norms.”
