Sindh govt lifts restriction on marriage halls

Relaxation to remain in place until Oct 15

The Sindh government has lifted the restriction on marriage halls, allowing the owners to resume operations after a hiatus of almost six months.

In a notification issued by the home department on Monday, marriage halls owners were notified of the provincial government lifting the restriction, keeping in view the decline in coronavirus pandemic.

Marriage hall owners, however, have been asked to ensure that all precautionary standard operating procedures, issued in connection with Covid-19, were followed during a ceremony. These include observing social distance and wearing masks, among other measures.

According to the notification, restaurants, too, have been allowed to resume complete services, including dine-in operations, seven days a week. Besides, trade and business activities can be carried from 6am to 8pm Mondays through Fridays, and from 6am to 9pm on Saturdays. They will remain suspended on Sundays. Plus, recreational spots have also been allowed to open and sports activities allowed to resume.

As per the notification, the relaxation will remain applicable until October 15, but the district administration can reinforce restrictions in case it observes a spike in coronavirus cases in its jurisdiction.

The restriction on marriage halls, which extended over six months, was placed following the coronavirus outbreak. During this period, many individuals associated with the sector went out of jobs.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2020.