India eases lockdown on restaurants, malls and holy places despite rise in coronavirus cases

India eases lockdown on restaurants, malls and holy places despite rise in coronavirus cases

Public sites such as restaurants, malls and places of worship reopened across India on Monday (June 8) as the country prepares to relax COVID-19 lockdown measures.

The move is part of Unlock 1, the first phase of easing the coronavirus lockdown currently in place.

Footage filmed on June 8 shows the famous Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in Delhi opened for devotees.

Many lined up to offer prayers at the Gurudwara, maintaining social distancing.

Similarly, other religious sites also opened all over India.

In the capital New Delhi, shoppers applied hand sanitizer and underwent temperature checks before entering malls.

Restaurants are to ensure not more than 50% capacity is occupied, arranged seats to ensure social distance, direct employees to wear masks and gloves, among other steps.

This happens despite India’s reported count of cases rising to 246,628 on Sunday after 9,971 cases were reported in 24 hours, the highest single-day rise yet.