DM Leh orders further relaxations | Read our detailed report

Leh, July 13: The Chairman District Disaster Management Authority/ District Magistrate, Leh Sachin Kumar Vaishya issued an order regarding Unlock 2.0 – opening of restaurants/ dhabas & resumption of public transport.

The order reads, “ In continuation to this office order No. DCL/PS/COVID-19/OO/2020 Dated 12.06.2020 followed by order No. 701 Dated 02.07.2020, & order No. 708 Dated 07.07.2020, and in exercise of power conferred upon me under Section-34 of Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Section-144 of CrPC, 1973, I, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, IAS, Chairman, DDMA/District Magistrate, Leh hereby order that:

1. All Restaurants/Dhabas and other hospitality services within the district Leh shall be permitted to operate with 50% seating capacity as per the SOP attached as Annexure “A”.
2. Public transport(Buses/Mazda Buses) shall be allowed to ply with 25% seating capacity as per the SOP attached as Annexure “B”

However, the SOPs/Guidelines laid down by the MHA/MoHFW & UT Administration of Ladakh from time to time in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 shall be followed in letter & spirit.

This order shall come into force with effect from 14^th July, 2020.

Issued under my seal and signature this day 13^th July, 2020.

Annexure “A”

SOP for opening of Restaurants/Dhabas and other Protocol Services

1. Seating arrangement in the restaurant to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.
2. Disposable menus are advised to be used.
3. Instead of cloth napkins, use of good quality disposable paper napkins to be encouraged.
4. Contactless mode of ordering and digital mode of payment (using e-wallets) to be encouraged.
5. Buffet service should also follow social distancing norms among guests.
6. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
7. Only asymptomatic staff and patrons shall be allowed.
8. All staff and patrons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks. The face cover/masks have to be worn at all times inside the restaurant.
9. Posters/standees/AV media on preventive measures about COVID-19 to be displayed prominently.
10. Adequate manpower shall be deployed by restaurant management for ensuring social distancing norms.
11. Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
12. Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, when queuing up for entry and inside the restaurant as far as feasible.

Annexure “B”

SOP for Public Transport (Buses & Mazda Buses)

Plying of Public transport shall be permitted with the following conditions:

1. i) Buses shall ply with only 25% of the seating capacity.
2. ii) Social distancing among passengers shall be ensured.

iii)               Municipal Committee, Leh shall mark circles at the Bus stops.

1. iv) All the bus owners shall ensure availability of hand sanitizer in the buses.
2. v)Effective and frequent Sanitization of the buses including the Handles, Knob, Buttons and frequently touched surfaces shall be ensured.
3. vi)Passenger shall be made to sit in the buses as per social distancing norms.