Centre Gives Permit To Shops To Reopen But With Certain 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 today with conditions by the 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. However, with public transport still closed, employees of shops that can reopen could still find it tough to get to work.