GUWAHATI, April 21: The Assam government has permitted restaurants, dhabas and eateries in the state to continue home delivery and takeaway services after 6pm.
The move comes after a fresh order issued on Wednesday clarified certain restrictions put in place through the standard operating procedures on Tuesday to break the COVID-19 transmission chain in the state.
“Restaurants, dhabas and other eateries can entertain dine-in guests only up to 6pm. However, takeaway/home delivery is allowed up to the usual time of closure as per local regulations,” state chief secretary Jishnu Barua clarified in respect of Clause A (7) of the order issued by the Assam Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday.
“Restaurants operating within a hotel or resort can allow outside guests up to 6pm only. However, in-house guests of the hotel/resort may be allowed to dine-in up to the usual time of operation,” Barua stated.
“The delivery of essential goods through e-commerce may continue after 6pm,” he stated.
“Cold storages and warehouses may continue beyond 6pm. However, sale counters, showrooms, etc attached to these cold storages or warehouses shall close after 6pm,” the chief secretary clarified.
“Pharmacies, hospitals, animal care centres and veterinary clinics may operate without restrictions, being providers of essential and emergency services,” the order stated.
In view of the rising COVID-19 cases in the state, the state government on Tuesday issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs), restricting the number of attendees in educational institutions, offices, public functions and directing closure of all marketplaces by 6pm.
The guidelines, to be effective till April 30, 2021, will however be reviewed later in the week, and accordingly, the SOPs could be either relaxed or made stricter.
