The Chandigarh Administration on Thursday issued order altering the timings for curfew relaxations in the city.

“The curfew relaxations will now be given between 10 am to 2 pm daily instead of 11 am to 3 pm, in view of summer season,” stated the order issued by the UT District Magistrate Manjit Singh Brar.

A decision to change the timings of curfew relaxations was taken by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore a day before.

“One person from every house will be allowed to step out of their houses on foot between 10 am to 2 pm daily till further orders, to visit their nearest shops or supermarkets selling grocery, fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat and fish, milk, chemist etc which are hereby allowed to remain open during this exemption period for direct sale,” the order stated.

“The timings of these shops to cater to home delivery will be fixed separately by the appropriate authorities. Any breach of the order shall invite action under Section 188 of IPC,” it stated.

“Social distancing norms must be strictly adhered to by the shopkeepers as well as by the general public. Executive magistrates, police and Sector response teams will also ensure the strict enforcement of social distancing norms as prescribed by UT Health Department.  The order shall come into force from zero hours of April 24 and remain valid till further orders,” the order further stated.

Notably, curfew was imposed in the city on March 24 to stem the spread of coronavirus. The city has been declared as Covid-19 “hotspot” by the Central Government and “containment zone” by UT Administration.