Lockdown: Stand-alone shops barring ones in malls to open

New Delhi: In a reprieve to the public at large, the government on Friday night allowed the opening of the 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.

However, the order signed by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, made it clear that shops in market places, multi-brand and single-brand malls located in municipality areas shall continue to remain closed till May 3.

Amending its April 15 order, the Union Home Ministry said “all shops, including neighbourhood shops and standalone shops, shops in residential complexes, within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, registered under the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State and UT” will be allowed to open during the lockdown.

The shops will mandatorily have 50 per cent strength of workers wearing 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.

However, the exemptions will not be given in hotspots and containment areas.