Covid-19 Pandemic: Delhi Markets To Remain Closed For 3 Days From Saturday; Chemists Exempted

Around seven crore traders across the country, including nearly 15 lakh traders and about 35 lakh of their employees in the national capital, will participate in Janata Curfew on March 22 in the wake of pandemic Coronavirus outbreak.

People wearing protective masks shop at Kendriya Bhandar in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic in New Delhi. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: In the backdrop of significantly increasing Coronavirus cases across the country, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Friday announced that all markets in the national capital will remain close for three days, starting from Saturday March 21. However, essential good providers including chemists, dairy and general consumer items will remain open during this time. "In the wake of rapidly growing threat of Coronavirus, prominent trade leaders of different parts of Delhi decided to close business establishments in Delhi for next three days beginning tomorrow (Saturday) to prevent community transmission of Coronavirus," news agency IANS quoted CAIT General Secretary Praveen Khandelwal as saying. According to reports, the traders' association will review the situation on evening of March 23 and will decide their future action. "The CAIT has exempted chemist shops, dairy and general consumables from the shut down for the convenience of citizens for procuring their daily requirements," the notification read. ALSO WATCH | Coronavirus Pandemic: Delhi Residents Appreciate PM Modi's Call For Janta Curfew Khandelwal said that the traders in the national capital are committed to extend all possible help to the government in containing community transmission of Coronavirus. Earlier in the day, the traders' body said that traders across the country will shut their businesses on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a 'Janata Curfew' on that day, urging citizens to stay indoors to prevent spread of novel Coronavirus. The traders body also informed that around seven crore traders across the country, including nearly 15 lakh traders and about 35 lakh of their employees in the national capital, will participate in Janata Curfew on March 22. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has already announced the closure all non-essential services in Delhi till March 31. All cinemas, public swimming pools, dine-in at restaurants, schools, colleges and clubs have been shut. On Thursday, it also barred gatherings of more than 20 persons at one place. Earlier, the limit was 50 persons.

"All non-essential public dealing activities stopped till 31 Mar. Only essential public dealing activities will continue. All non-essential staff are being directed to work from home. All permanent and contractual employees will be paid for this period" : @ArvindKejriwal pic.twitter.com/hY3Lhr7pYY

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 20, 2020

Earlier in the day, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced closure of metro services in the national Capital on March 22 (Sunday) keeping in mind the ‘Janta Curfew’ declared by PM Modi during his address to nation on Friday evening.

In the wake of ‘Janta Curfew’ to be observed this Sunday i.e, on 22nd March 2020, DMRC has decided to keep its services closed. The move is aimed at encouraging public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against Covid-19. #JantaCurfew

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 20, 2020

In India, the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases has mounted to 223 and four death have been reported so far. In Delhi, 17 positive cases of Covid-19 have been reported with 1 unfortunate death and 5 of them being discharged after getting cured.