India allows shops to open with conditions, malls to remain closed

A month into the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, all shops in residential areas - except those in the malls - have been allowed to reopen from Saturday with conditions by the Indian government.

The relaxations are not applicable to hotspots and containment zones. The Union Home Ministry's late night order - that says masks, gloves and adherence to social distancing norms will be mandatory - comes as a huge relief to the shopkeepers and buyers, reports NDTV.

However, with public transport still closed, employees of shops that can reopen could still find it tough to get to work.

"All registered shops regd (registered) under Shops & Establishment Act of respective States/ UTs, including shops in residential complexes, neighborhood & standalone shops exempted from #lockdown restrictions," the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a late-night order, adding that "shops in single and multi-brand malls" are not exempted.

"Market complexes, except those within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, are allowed to open," the order reads.

All restaurants, salons, barber shops and liquor stores will remain closed, the government clarified today, adding that e-commerce companies can only sell essential items.