Assam government on Saturday announced relaxations in the COVID19-induced lockdown imposed in Kamrup Metro district.
In view of the rising COVID19 cases in Guwahati, the state government earlier decided to impose total lockdown in Guwahati for two weeks from June 29 to July 12.
In an order issued on Saturday, state chief secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna said in continuation of the notification issued on June 26 and pursuance of the MHA guidelines issued on June 29, the Assam government has allowed several activities from July 5-12 in Kamrup Metro district.
Grocery shops are allowed to operate between 11 AM and 4 PM on Monday and Wednesday (July 6 & 8), the order said.
However, the order said, the deputy commissioner will issue requisite directives to ensure that only 20% of all shops are allowed to open on any given day.
“Shopkeepers and customers shall have to wear masks, hand gloves and maintain social distancing. Responsibility of maintenance of social distancing will be on the shop owner and failure to do so will be viewed very seriously and may entail summery closure of defaulting shops,” it said.
Maintenance of price line and prevention of artificial shortage will be the responsibility of shop keepers and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department, the chief secretary said in the order.
Whole sellers of grocery items are allowed to replenish stocks of retailers on Sunday (July 5) and Tuesday (July 7) between 3 PM and 6 PM. “No retail sale is allowed in this period,” the order said.
Activities relating to essential items supply from and to FCI establishments shall be allowed to operate.
FCI will ensure that social distancing is maintained while loading/ unloading of goods and that vehicles carrying goods to outside of the district proceed to destinations without any stoppage inside the Kamrup Metropolitan district under any circumstances.
The state government has allowed house-to-house sale of fruits and vegetables between 8 AM and 2 PM on Monday and Wednesday (July 6 & 8).
Activities relating to wholesale distribution of medicines and medical equipment shall be allowed between 10 AM and 3 PM only on Monday and Wednesday (July 6 & 8), the order said.
Veterinary clinics, veterinary medicine shops are allowed to operate on all days between 10 AM and 4 PM. Feed shops are allowed to operate on Monday (July 6) and Wednesday (July 8).
E-commerce distribution activities are allowed between 11 AM and 4 PM on Friday (July 10).
Post offices and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) offices are allowed to operate with only 10% of total employee strength and only 10 % of total branches.
The government has not allowed roadside vending of any fruit, vegetable and fish.
“All other restrictions as imposed vide our order no. ASDMA.24/2020/Part-1/76” issued on June 26, 2020 shall remain in place, the order further said.