COVID-19 Lockdown: Odisha Govt Sets Conditions for Reopening of Shops

Bhubaneswar: With the Union Government paving the way for opening of standalone shops in neighborhood places, the Odisha government has issued fresh guidelines in this regard.

The new guidelines will be applicable for all shops in municipal and rural areas. Shops registered under the Shops and Establishments Act 1956 in the Municipal Level and District Level will be allowed to open with some strict guidelines.

While Shops situated in market complexes outside the outside municipal limits are allowed to open, those inside the municipal milits and in market complexes will not be allowed. The shops will have to adhere to strict rules regarding social distancing and they have to employ only 50 percent of the manpower. Strict implementation of wearing mask and social distance norms have to be adhered. The District Collectors will decide which shops are to be opened and allowed according to the need and situation. In Municipal areas, the Municipal Commissioners will take the decision regarding this.

The Union government has relaxed opening of shops in non hotspot and not containment zones. However, shopping malls and complexes will not be allowed to open.