The East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner has listed more non-essential businesses that will be allowed to operate from Monday in Greater Shillong as restrictions are slowly loosened following weeks of lockdown.
Curfew will continue in the whole district from 7pm to 5am daily.
Last week shops that are involved in hardware, gas appliances, computers, stationery, baby clothes, pet items, opticians, tailoring, electronics, automobile workshops, automobile showrooms, furniture, mobile phones, agricultural tools, printing presses, florists and nurseries, bookshops, garments and shoes were allowed to open, according to restrictions on timing and date.
From Monday, shops selling musical instruments, jewellery and gifts will be allowed to operate, along with blacksmiths, dry cleaners and laundry services and travel agents.
Shops under Laitumkhrah, Laban, Sadar, Rynjah and Madanrting police stations and Mawpat are allowed to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those under Pasteur beat house, Lumdiengjri and Mawlai police stations and Mawlai and Mylliem blocks can open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All shops can function from 9am to 4pm on the respective days.
Only standalone shops are permitted to open and not those in complexes/shopping malls. Shops are encouraged to opt for home delivery whenever possible. Applicants may apply to the concerned Incident Commanders or through the local headmen or Covid committees concerned and days for opening will be decided by the Incident Commander.
Despite some opposition, the DC has stuck to the decision to ensure that all shops will make efforts to complete vaccination at the earliest and will place a prominent sign indicating the vaccination status of the shopkeepers and staff on the premises.
In rural areas of the district, essential and non-essential businesses are allowed to open as per the regulated arrangements to be made by the Sub-Divisional Officer and the Block Development Officers concerned in consultation with the Covid committees.
E-commerce services and courier services are permitted subject to prior permission from the DC’s office and restriction of the number of delivery personnel moving. Restaurant deliveries can be made between 10am to 9pm. Any establishment under a containment zone is not permitted to open and no Covid positive or symptomatic persons are permitted to work in them. Tea shops are “strictly prohibited” from reopening.
Other establishments catering to delivery of food/rations and other necessities to hospitals/Corona Care Centres/quarantine centres which have already received permission from the DC are permitted to continue.
Home delivery of essential food commodities, including dry rations, meat, vegetables, fruits and toiletries is permitted on specific request for genuine and experienced proprietors only.
Political, public, social and religious gatherings including conferences, meetings and training events, weddings and sporting activities remain prohibited. Inter and intra-movement of persons to or from Greater Shillong is not permitted without valid passes. Vehicles plying without passes will be liable to be penalised. Funeral services remain restricted to 10 people only.
