Delhi Govt Permits Public Fairs & Exhibitions From Today, SOPs Include 'Namaste' Instead Of Handshake

<p><strong>New Delhi:</strong> Ahead of the festive season, the much-awaited public fairs have been allowed in the national capital from today. Under a phased reopening of economic activities interrupted by the lockdown during the second wave of COVID-19 in the city, the Delhi government has been permitted to organise public fairs and exhibitions.&nbsp;</p> <p>The order further said that business-to-consumer exhibitions will be permitted in the city from Thursday, adding that all the stakeholders organisers will have to follow the standard operating procedures (SoPs) issued by the ministry of commerce and industry. In case any violation is found, strict penal or criminal action will be initiated, it added.</p> <p>According to the SOPs, venue providers need to adopt strict measures which include separate entry and exit for visitors, disinfection of halls before giving possession, setting up permanent isolation centres and a well-planned garbage disposal mechanism.</p> <p>The DDMA order also stated that the banquet halls in the city will be allowed to hold such exhibitions and fairs.</p> <p>The SOPs stated that the custom of 'Namaste' instead of handshake will be promoted at such fairs and exhibitions, adding that the Aarogya Setu mobile app is recommended for all persons manning stalls and is mandatory for those with smartphones, as per a PTI report.</p> <p>Schools in the city will, however, be closed for students up to Class 8, the DDMA order said. It did not mention any relaxation for holding Ramleelas, although several organising committees in a recently held meeting decided to hold Ramleelas by booking grounds.</p> <p>Various other activities prohibited and allowed by the DDMA will remain so till the intervening night of September 30 and October 1, the DDMA order said.</p> <p>Similarly, fair organisers will have to stagger the operational hours of the exhibition so that there is an organised gathering. They will also have to regularly play recorded messages on precautionary measures and good practices, besides encouraging the use of technology to minimise human interface.</p> <p>They will also require to do a risk assessment prior to the event, considering health and safety situations in the zones, both national and international, from where the participants may belong.</p>

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