What’s Open, What’s Closed and e-pass Puducherry Guidelines. In keeping with Unlock 3 guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to contain the spread of Covid-19, Puducherry government has issued similar orders for August 1- August 31 . Here’s all you need to know
E-PASS PUDUCHERRY (Updated August 23)
Q: Is e-pass required to enter Pondicherry?
A: NO. As of August 23, e-pass system is suspended in Pondicherry. According to an order by MHA (Home Ministry), states can no longer restrict inter-state travel or movement of goods. The website epass.py.gov.in & welcomeback.py.gov.in are no longer functional. There is no need for any permit or approval to enter or leave Pondy.
We will update quarantine rules after confirmation . Initial rules state after entering Pondicherry, it is mandatory to self-quarantine at home for 15 days. Violating home quarantine can result in legal action.
NEW: TUESDAY TOTAL LOCKDOWN
On August 12, after a meeting of the Puducherry State Disaster Management Authority, Puducherry CM announced that there will be a total lockdown for 24 hours on Tuesdays. This will be in place till August 31. Shops, offices, commercial enterprises, banks etc will be closed and public movement will be restricted from 6 a.m on Tuesdays- 6 a.m on Wednesdays.
UPDATED TIMINGS
NEW: From August 14, shops, establishments, private offices etc will have to close at 7 p.m.
- Restaurants: Dine-in & Take-away: 6 am- 9 p.m. ( Close at 7 p.m from August 14 )
- Shops, offices, establishments: 6 am- 9 p.m. (Upto 7 p.m from August 14 onwards by government order)
- Liquor stores (only retail and wholesale; bars not permitted) : Till 9 p.m. (Upto 7 p.m from August 14 onwards by govt order)
- Petrol Pumps: Till 9 p.m. (Close at 7 p.m. from August 14 )
- Beach Road only for walks : 5 am – 12 noon
- Night Curfew: Movement of individuals restricted between 10 pm- 5 am. (From 8 p.m- 6 a.m from August 14 as announced by CM ). Night curfew does not apply to travellers on transit and permitted individuals.
- No time restrictions for pharmacies , hospitals or movement of goods
- Updated on August 5 : Gyms and yoga institutes : Allowed to open from August 5 in accordance with guidelines issued.
Find about more about Tuesday Lockdown Guidelines
WHAT’S CLOSED
- Schools, Colleges, University, Educational and Coaching Institutions. Online learning permitted
- Swimming pools, spas and saunas
- Cinemas, Theatres & Entertainment Parks
- Bars
- Auditoriums , assembly halls and similar places
- All social/ political/ sports/ religious/ entertainment/ academic /cultural functions and large congregations (Independence Day celebrations are permitted with social distancing and according to separate protocol issued by MHA)
- International Air Travel (except as permitted by MHA)
- Buses, trains and domestic flights (none of these are operational in Puducherry yet )
- Sunday Market
- Auroville – Matrimandir, Visitors Centre, restaurants inside and guest houses remain closed to visitors.
OTHER GUIDELINES
- All persons above 65, those with co-morbidities, children below 10 and pregnant women are advised to stay home except for health and essential purposes
- Maximum people allowed: Marriages: 50 guests; Funerals: 20
- Masks or face coverings are compulsory in public places, work places and during transport.
- Social distancing of 6 feet mandatory in public spaces
- For detailed guidelines, refer order by MHA here
Find Covid-19 tracker, daily case details and all updates here
FEATURE PHOTO: JOY SRIVASTAVA
