Shops to open from 9am to 8pm, follow odd-even rule

LUCKNOW: Markets and other establishments in the city reopened on Monday amid fresh guidelines issued by the district administration to contain Covid-19 pandemic.

Shops in Hazratganj, Aminabad, Gomti Nagar, Indira Nagar and other areas were allowed to function from 9am to 8pm.

The traders, however, said they needed at least a day or two to implement other changes that are part of the fresh guidelines.

“We welcome the fresh anti-Covid guidelines. But, we need a little time to get the changes implemented. These largely include covering the main entrance with thick transparent polythene and demarcation of shops with green and orange colour stickers,” said Suresh Chhablani, convener of Akhil Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal.

He said the traders were in complete support of the district administration in the fight against corona.

As per the new guidelines, restaurants, markets, complexes, malls and restaurants would only be operational between 9am and 8pm. Besides, shops will have to follow the odd-even rule and be marked with 2x2 stickers in green and orange colours.

Shops marked with orange stickers would be allowed to open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday whereas those bearing green colour would be allowed to open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Customers would not be allowed to touch any article or product in a shop. The administration also made it mandatory for delivery boys to sport face mask, head cover, shoe cover and gloves. However, establishments in the containment zones would remain sealed.

“We have constituted 80 teams to ensure strict implementation of anti-Covid-19 protocol. Legal action will be initiated against all those found flouting norms,” said Abhishek Prakash, district magistrate.