Uttar Pradesh allows gyms, cinema halls and multiplexes to open with 50% capacity from Monday

Lucknow: Further easing the coronavirus curbs, the Uttar Pradesh government has allowed the opening of gymnasiums, cinema halls, multiplexes and sports stadiums at 50 percent of their capacity from Monday.A government spokesperson said on Friday that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the relaxations in view of the improving COVID-19 situation in the state.Under the new guidelines, which will come into effect from 7 am on 5 July, all gymnasiums, cinema halls, multiplexes and sports stadiums will be allowed to open between 7 am and 9 pm five days a week with strict compliance of COVID-appropriate behaviour, the spokesman said.However, these will be allowed to operate at 50 percent of their capacity, the chief minister said at a COVID-19 review meeting, according to the spokesperson. The gyms in containment zones will remain closed.The CM directed the installation of posters or banners telling about preventive measures at all public places, the spokesman said.The chief minister said the government's focus is on restoring normalcy in the state with an aim to save both lives and livelihood while stating they are ready the possible third wave of the pandemic.The chief minister also instructed to set up helpdesks close to public places to ensure the compliance of the coronavirus protocol, the spokesman added.Till Thursday, the state has reported 22,601 deaths due to the infection and 17,06,252 cases.