PANJIM: In an important move, the State government is considering re-opening from next week restaurants, bars, gyms, hotels, tea stalls and other such activities, which have been closed since March 22. This will be subject to the approval of the Central government.
Lockdown 4.0 will begin from May 18, under which States will be given powers to decide on various restrictions and permitting activities. The detailed guidelines will be released by the Centre, this week.
The State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday discussed opening up of such commercial activities, while imposing mandatory restrictions to maintain social distancing and wearing of masks by owners as well as visitors.
Speaking to media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Ports Minister Michael Lobo said small businesses, like restaurants and hotels, that are facing an economic crisis should be permitted to re-open in Lockdown 4.0. “Local bodies should be made nodal agencies to ensure that all norms are followed,” he said.
Lobo said there was consensus in the cabinet on the issue. “We have urged CM to take it up with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to see that such activities can be permitted in the Green Zone,” he said.
