Government Allows Non Essential Shops To Reopen

India is under lockdown till May 3rd, citizens are asked to maintain social distancing and to stay indoors to stop the spread of COVID-19.

On 25th April, MHA clarified shops selling non-essential goods in rural areas can reopen. From Saturday, all shops in residential and market complexes outside and within municipal limits and neighbourhood of non-contaminated zones to open during the lockdown to help the businesses recover from a crisis like coronavirus. 

However, shopping complexes within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities will not reopen from Saturday. 

Every shop has to maintain the guidelines released by the government and the World Health Organization (WHO). Staffs need to maintain social distancing and wear masks all the time.

Here’s a list of things that’ll be open during the lockdown:

1. Stores registered under the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State/Union Territory which includes shops in residential and municipal complexes.
2. Neighbourhood shops, standalone shops within the limits of the municipal corporation or municipality will be allowed to open. 
3. In rural and semi-rural areas all the markets have been allowed to open. 
4. Shop situated in registered markets can open their shop with 50% of their employee, they have to maintain social distancing and wear masks. 
5. In Urban areas, non-essential goods and services will be allowed to open only if it’s situated in residential areas or a standalone shop. 
6. Small shops will be open amid the lockdown. 

What will remain closed?

1. MHA’s permit does not apply to hotspots or contaminated zones. 
2. Liquor shops will be closed. 
3. Shopping complexes, cinema halls, swimming pool, gym, bars will remain shut. 
4. Salon won’t be open.