Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on 15th April issued an order to exempt certain activities under the consolidated revised guidelines to fight COVID-19, in certain areas not included in hotspots/containment zones. In continuation with this, MHA again issued order on 24th April giving relaxation in the category of commercial and private establishments. Also, MHA has issued an order to all States/UTs, to allow opening of all shops registered under Shops & Establishment Act of respective States/ UTs, including shops in residential complexes, neighborhood & standalone shops.
Shops in market complexes, except those within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, would be allowed to open. Shops in single & multi-brand malls would not be allowed to open anywhere. It would be mandatory for all permitted shops to open only with 50% strength of workers, ensure compulsory wearing of masks and strict adherence to social distancing norms.
Local salons and parlours will be allowed to open from today. All market are allowed to open in rural and semi-rural markets. Shops and standalone stores in Urban areas would be allowed to operate only if they are located in residential areas. Anyways, Theaters, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, entertainment parks, theaters, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls will remain closed.
By this we understand that except some essentials and necessary goods still the urban area cannot open the shops. As informed earlier only grocery, stationary, electrical who sell fans and coolers, medicals, fruit markets and vegetable outlets are only allowed. Also, Telecom outlets can open who sell and recharge mobile connectivity, and its not applicable for mobile phones. It is clarified that sale by E-Commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only.
However, the Home Ministry also made it clear that the above mentioned exemptions will not be applicable in locations identified as hotspot and containment zones across the country.
