New Delhi: Shops, markets and offices will be allowed to open during the fourth phase of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, which has been extended to May 31, the Home Ministry said Sunday evening, while also stipulating states could prohibit activities or impose restrictions as deemed necessary.
Relaxations in lockdown guidelines will not apply to containment zones, the government said, adding that in these areas only essential activities and sale of essential goods will be allowed.
In non-containment zones local authorities must ensure shops open on staggered timing basis only, so as to ensure social distancing, the Home Ministry statement said. All shop owners must also ensure that customers maintain do gaz doori (maintain minimum six feet distance) and that not more than five people are allowed inside at any given time.
Shopping malls will continue to remain closed, the government said. Earlier this week the Delhi government had suggested that malls could be allowed to re-open on an odd-even basis, with only certain stores within each mall allowed to open at any given time.
