Chandigarh, May 31- Haryana Government has decided to extend the lockdown in the containment zones till June 30, 2020. It has also been decided by the State Government to open the restricted areas in a phased manner in accordance with the provisions of National Disaster Management Act, and guidelines issued by the District Magistrate and concerned department.

This decision was taken in a meeting presided by the Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Lal with the senior officers of the State Government here today, which was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Dushyant Chautala and Home Minister Mr. Anil Vij.

It was decided in the meeting that the District Magistrate can impose restrictions in the areas in their jurisdiction under Section 144 of the CrPC on movement of individuals from 9 pm to 5 am except for essential services. It was decided in the meeting that there will be no restriction on inter-state and inter-district movement of persons and goods. In addition, the shops will remain open from 9 am to 7 pm. The Deputy Commissioner concerned can however impose suitable restrictions in highly congested markets depending on their own assessment.

It was decided in the meeting that the sports activities can begin from 5 am as against the earlier directions of 7 am. However, the earlier instructions issued with regard to sports activities will continue. It was also informed in the meeting that as per the National Directives for COVID-19 management wearing of face mask is compulsory in public places, work places and during transport. Also, individuals must maintain minimum distance of 6 feet in public places. Shopkeepers will ensure physical distancing among customers and will not allow more than five persons at one time.

Besides, large public gatherings or congregations continue to remain prohibited. In marriage related gatherings, number of guests shall not exceed 50 and while performing last rites, the number of persons shall not exceed 20.

Haryana government has decided to allow the functioning of offices with 100 percent attendance of Group A and B officers and 75 percent attendance of Group C and D employees. It has also been decided in the meeting that the penal provisions of Disaster Management Act will be applicable.

Inter-state and intra-state buses will ply as per the schedule issued by the Transport Department from time to time. In addition, the taxis and cabs will ply in accordance with the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

It was informed in the meeting that with effect from June 8, 2020 activities will be allowed in religious places, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls in accordance with the SOPs which will be decided later by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

On this occasion, Chief Secretary Mrs. Keshni Anand Arora, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department Mr. Vijai Vardhan, Additional Chief Secretary of Fisheries Department Mr. V.S. Kundu, Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Education Department Mr. Alok Nigam, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Mr. S.N. Roy, Additional Chief Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department Mr. Rajeev Arora, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. V. Umashankar, Principal Secretary of Industries Department Mr. A.K Singh, and other senior officers were present.