The Chandigarh administration on Tuesday announced more relaxations in Covid restrictions. To avoid overcrowding, the administration has decided to open Sukhna Lake the whole day on Sundays.
The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Chandigarh Administrator VP Singh Badnore.
The restrictions on opening Sukhna Lake for only four hours in the morning and two hours in the evening on Sundays have been withdrawn. Expressing serious concern over the rush at Sukhna Lake, the Administrator directed the police to ensure strict enforcement of Covid-appropriate behaviour at the lake.
Badnore said closure of Sukhna Lake would be considered during evenings on weekends if visitors did not adhere to the Covid protocol and overcrowding was observed even after opening the lake the whole day.
The administration also decided to open a few swimming pools of the sports department, but only for players. Also, only players who have been administered at least one dose of vaccine will be allowed to use the pools. They will have to be tested for Covid every fortnight.
Moreover, the Chandigarh Health Department has started a special vaccination camp at the lake.
In view of a sharp decline in Covid cases, it was decided to increase the number of guests allowed for special gatherings such as weddings to 100 or 50% of the capacity of the banquet hall, whichever is less. It will be mandatory for all adult guests and staff of the hotel or banquet hall to have received at least one dose of the vaccine or to have a negative RTPCR report of the past 72 hours.
In another decision, the Chandigarh Administration has clubbed liquor vends in the category of restaurants, bars and eateries and allowed these to open from 10 am to 10.30 pm. During the meeting, Dr Jagat Ram, Director, PGI, said a 2,000 litre per minute oxygen plant would become functional at the institute on Wednesday.
