PANAJI: Even as the state-level curfew remains in force till July 12, the government on Sunday allowed bars and restaurants to operate from 7am to 9pm, but with 50% capacity.
The government has also permitted events, including marriages, for up to 100 people or 50% of hall capacity, whichever is less, with the approval of the district magistrate or sub-district magistrate. The new relaxations come into force on Monday.
It has also said that shops may remain open from 7am to 6pm, as opposed to the earlier timing of 3pm. An announcement to this regard was made by CM Pramod Sawant last week. The state government has also permitted the holding of the public consultation for the draft coastal zone management plan scheduled on July 8 till completion of hearing at the venue, subject to compliance with Covid-appropriate behaviours.
The state government said that for cremations or funerals, up to 20 persons will be permitted without the need for permission.
What remains closed are casinos, indoor sports complex, auditoriums, community halls or similar places, river cruises, waterparks, entertainment parks, gyms, spas, massage parlours, cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, entertainment zones within shopping malls, and swimming pools.
On June 20, the state government had allowed the opening of shops in shopping malls, except cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, entertainment zones, and fish markets. On June 12, the state allowed panchayat and municipal markets to open.
From June 14, the state government has started slowly relaxing the curfew and allowing economic activities in the state. The first curfew was imposed on May 9 after a lot of reluctance even as the state grappled with an unprecedented surge of Covid cases.
