In the midst of the ongoing lockdown, the government on Saturday allowed to open of neighbourhood and standalone shops – including those located in residential complexes in some areas with the exception of the COVID-19 Areas. The statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday night confirmed that shops for non-essential commodities were allowed to open with some riders in non-vulnerable areas.

This notification is part of the relaxation provided by the Government during the lockdown which is currently scheduled to end on May 3.

MHA has issued an order to all States/Union Territories:

All shops registered under Shops & Establishment Act of respective States/ UTs, including shops in residential complexes, neighborhood & standalone shops will be allowed to open during the lockdown.”

Shops in market complexes, except those within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, would be allowed to open. Shops in single & multi-brand malls would not be allowed to open anywhere.

It would be mandatory for all permitted shops to open only with 50% strength of workers, ensure compulsory wearing of masks and strict adherence to social distancing norms.

The MHA later clarified

In rural areas, ALL shops, except those in shopping malls allowed to open.
In urban areas, ALL standalone/neighbourhood shops and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open.

The MHA has stated in its twitter update that liquor shops, all restaurants, salons & barber shops would not be able to function.