India reopens neighbourhood shops with limited workers

In a late night order easing Covid-19 lockdown curbs, the Indian government on Friday allowed the reopening of neighbourhood and stand-alone shops, including those located in residential complexes in municipal areas, but at 50 percent strength of workers and taking necessary precautions.

The pandemic has infected over 23,000 and claimed 723 lives so far across India. The 40-day ongoing lockdown ends on May 3.

However, shops in market complexes, multi-brand and single brand malls located in municipality areas would remain closed till May 3, an order issued by the Indian Home Ministry said.

The order signed by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said the new relaxation would not apply to areas covered under the Covid-19 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 Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State and UT" will be allowed to open with 50 percent workers' strength and mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing.

As for shops in registered shops in residential and market complexes located outside the municipal corporations and municipalities, the order permits resuming operations after following compulsory social distancing and wearing masks and with 50 percent strength of workers.