Meghalaya government on June 17 announced the reopening of restaurants, cafes, barber shops, beauty parlours and salons in the state from June 22.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the decision was taken in a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma held on June 17. He added that the Health and Family Welfare department is working out protocols and accordingly in a few days time necessary guidelines and SOPs would be issued.
However, operation of any food outlets located along the national highways will be subject to compliance with the SOP being issued by the Meghalaya Tourism department.
Operation of barber shops, beauty parlours are also allowed subject to compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) being issued by the Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare department.
“As far as hotels, guest houses are concerned, the deputy commissioners have been directed to have detailed consultations with stakeholders and submit report following which the government will take a call,” the deputy chief minister told reporters.
Tynsong said the deputy commissioners have been directed to regulate the schedule and timing of operations and number of shops to be opened may be restricted depending on the “local situation” and to meet the social distancing norms.
The state government also announced re-opening of markets along the inter-state borders from June 29 in keeping with safety protocols.
Chief Secretary MS Rao said the deputy commissioners shall regulate the schedule and timings of the operations and also restrict the activities and number of shops to be opened as well as the locations depending on the “local situation” and to meet the social distancing norms.
However, the border haats (markets) along the India-Bangladesh border will continue to remain closed, Rao said.
