Delhi Govt to open shops in lockdown period as per MHA guidelines

Reports said, the government will open these standalone shops and shops in residential areas, but the containment zones in the city will continue to remain closed.

There are 95 containment zones in Delhi.

The shops will be allowed to operate with social-distancing and MHA guidelines strictly followed, Delhi government sources said, reportedly.

Late on Friday, MHA issued new guidelines stating that the neigbourhood and standalone shops in urban areas can be opened during the lockdown period, except those in certain areas will be allowed to open shutters only after May 3.

"All shops registered under the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State/Union Territory, including shops in residential complexes and market complexes, except shops in multi-brand and single-brand malls, outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, with 50 per cent strength of workers with wearing of masks and social distancing being mandatory," read the MHA order exempting the above-mentioned shops from lockdown restrictions.

Reports said opening of shops in COVID-19 hotspots, sale of non-essential items by e-commerce websites and sale of liquor will continue to remain prohibited in the lockdown period.

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