Hotels, salons may open in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH: Hotels and restaurants could open its doors for customers in the relaxations to be announced when the fourth leg of the lockdown ends on May 31. Home delivery and takeaways is already allowed from restaurants.
A senior official said the UT administration is planning to allow hotels and restaurants to operate in the city, but with conditions.A limit on the number of customers will be imposed to ensure social distancing. As rail, air and road transport have started, demand for accommodation and lodging facilities has arisen, prompting the authorities to think on opening the hospitality sector. That is not all.
Barber shops, salons and spas too could reopen. A senior official said as neighbouring Mohali and Panchkula have already allowed opening of barber shops and salons, the UT has also prepared a rough standard operating procedure (SOP). The matter will be discussed with UT administrator V P Singh Badnore, he said. However, the final call will be taken only after the guidelines of the ministry of home affairs.
The administration is also planning to extend relaxation timings of 7 am to 7 pm. People may be allowed one hour extra in the morning and evening.
Apart from the industrial sector, maximum workforce is engaged in hotels, restaurants, salons and spas in Chandigarh. With the opening of these businesses, the administration is trying to ensure employment to several workers not earning anything since March 24.