New Delhi: In the wake of controlled Covid situation in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to further ease lockdown restrictions and reopen all weekly markets from Monday, August 9 with Covid-19 protocols in place.
Expressing concern for the livelihoods of poor associated with these markets, CM Kejriwal in a Twitter post on Saturday said, "Weekly markets are being opened from Monday. These are poor people. Government is quite concerned about their livelihoods. However, everyone's health and lives are also important. I urge everyone to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour after these markets are opened."
The new unlock rules in the national capital are expected to bring relief to street vendors who have been demanding to reopen weekly market.
These markets were shut down after the Delhi government had imposed the coronavirus-induced lockdown across national capital on April 19 due to the outbreak of the second wave of in Covid-19.
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After witnessing a significant improvement in the situation, the governmnet permitted one weekly market in each municipal zone to resume fuctions with proper adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour.
Last month, Delhi government had permitted spas, theatres and cinema halls to reopen with 50 per cent of the seating facility. All markets, market complexes and malls were allowed to open between 10 am to 8 pm. Restaurants have been permitted to run with 50 per cent of the seating capacity from 8 am to 10 pm. Similarly, bars were given permission to run with upto 50 per cent of the seating capacity from 12 noon to 10 pm.
Moreover, Metro trains and buses are permitted to operate with 100 per cent capacity in Delhi from 5 am.