NewDehli:::In a late night move, the government on Friday night permitted opening of neighbourhood and stand alone shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, but at a 50 per cent strength and after taking necessary precautions in the light of coronavirus pandemic.
However, shops in market places, multi-brand and single brand malls located in municipality areas shall continue to remain closed till May 3, the order released by Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated. The late night order undersigned by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla will not apply to areas covered under the hotspots or containment zones.
The order states that “all shops, including neighbourhood shops and standalone shops, shops in residential complexes, within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, registered under the the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State and UT” will be allowed to open during the lockdown.
The order issued on Friday amends the previous order issued by the Centre on April 15 as a swift response to extend the lockdown in the country till May 3.
According to the latest order, strict guidelines of allowing shops to function the shops will mandatorily have 50 per cent strength of workers wearing of masks and following social distancing.
Opening of neighbourhood shops is being seen as a relief to people who have been under lockdown since March 24 to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.
The Home Ministry order comes on the eve of Muslim holy month Ramzan.
The ministry also said shops located in registered markets located outside the municipal corporations and municipalities can open after following the drill of social distancing and wearing of masks but with 50 per cent of strength.
However, single and muti-brands shall continue to remain closed in these areas also. “All shops registered under the the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State/UT, including shops in residential complexes and market complexes, except shops in multi-brand and single brand malls, outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, with 50 per cent strength of workers with wearing of masks and social distancing being mandatory” will be allowed to function.However, the exemptions will not be given in hotspots and containment areas.(HT)
