Shops, markets, malls reopen in Delhi; Metro runs after 3 weeks
Jolted by the devastating second wave of the Covid19 pandemic, the national capital moved slowly towards normal life as shops in markets and malls reopened on an oddeven basis on Monday after nearly two months, with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal appealing to people to take all precautions against the coronavirus.
The Delhi Metro, the city’s lifeline, also resumed services on Monday, but with 50 per cent seating capacity and no provision for standing travel for commuters.
Although all standalone and neighbourhood shops, including liquor vends, started functioning, cinemas, theatres, restaurants (except home delivery and takeaway), bars, gyms, spas, barber shops, salons, beauty parlours and weekly markets will remain closed till further orders.
Mr Kejriwal appealed to people to follow Covid-19 guidelines amid the unlocking process in the city.
“Many activities are resuming in Delhi from
today. But take all the precautions to prevent coronavirus completely -- wear a mask, keep social distancing and keep washing hands, there should be no laxity at all,” he said in a tweet in Hindi. “One has to stay away from the coronavirus infection and also bring the economy back on track,” he added.
The shops in markets and malls reopened on an odd-even basis, but in some areas, like South Delhi’s Krishna Markets, most of the shops still remained closed.
Atul Bhargav, president, New Delhi Traders Association, representing shopowners in Connaught Place, said all arrangements were in place to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour. “However, the odd-even formula for opening retail shops is against our interests. We have enough space here in Connaught Place and most shopkeepers and their employees have already got jabs. The government should treat retail and wholesale sectors differently,” he said.
Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general, Confederation of All India Traders, said the “oddeven” was a “rejected formula” as far as the trade is concerned in Delhi, and rather staggered timings of different markets would have been a better option to not only reduce traffic of people in the markets, but also to provide ease of shopping to Delhiites.
The government has allowed all private offices to operate with 50 per cent capacity between 9 am and 5 pm. However, Mr Kejriwal urged all those who can work from home to continue to do so.
The police and the district administration have formed teams to ensure no Covid norms are broken as the markets, malls and complexes reopen from 10 am to 8 pm.
“Our teams have been deployed in the field for enforcement and awareness so the unlock process operates smoothly,” a senior police officer in West Delhi district said.
Besides the markets and malls, standalone shops also reopened in the city, adding a hint of busy city life. “People are still feeling the impact of their experience in the last two months of the Covid surge. I hope the situation will improve and customers will return in the coming days,” said Varun, an electronic goods shop owner in Laxmi Nagar.
A senior police officer said the shopowners in markets have been briefed to follow norms to protect themselves from the infection. “Our teams are in the field. People are normally following the precautions, but we are keeping a watch as the day progresses and more people are on the roads and markets,” he said.