Fairs and exhibitions will be allowed in Delhi from September 16th 2021 under a phased reopening of economic activities as the coronavirus (Covid-19) disease situation eases in the national capital. This is a result of an order by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday, September 15th 2021 which allowed the banquet halls to hold such exhibitions and fairs. 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.
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.
Fair organisers will have to stagger the operational hours of the exhibition so that there is an organised gathering, according to DDMA order. 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. The organisers will also require to do a risk assessment prior to the event, considering health and safety situation in the zones, both national and international, from where the participants may belong, the order added.
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.
