The unlock process kickstarted in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday with markets reopening after a month-long Covid-induced lockdown.
After a month-long Covid-19 lockdown, markets reopened in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday as the process of unlocking started in the Union Territory.
According to the latest guidelines, outdoor markets, shopping areas and standalone shops of all types have now been permitted to open on alternate weekdays on a rotational basis.
India Today TV spoke to the shopkeepers and traders in Jammu who were facing the brunt of the pandemic-induced lockdown.
The traders and shopkeepers welcomed the administration’s decision to ease some restrictions. However, not many customers were seen in the morning hours.Live TV”We faced huge financial losses in last one month. Our businesses were badly hit. We welcome the administration’s decision to start the process of unlock. This is a big relief for us”, a shopkeeper in Gandhi Nagar area said.
The authorities have also asked the shopkeepers to ensure adherence to Covid-19 protocol.
“Yes, we will fully cooperate with the authorities. Those without face masks are not being allowed to enter our shop”, said another shopkeeper.
Meanwhile, the citizens have lauded the government for relaxing covid-19 restrictions.
“Economy must be opened now in a phased manner. Small traders, daily wagers and labourers have suffered a lot during the lockdown. Hopefully, now, they would be able to earn some money,” a Jammu resident said.
However, wine shops didn’t open in Jammu on Monday despite authorities permitting the sale of liquor three days a week.
Speaking to India Today TV, Charanjeet Singh, spokesperson of the Wine Traders Association, Jammu, said that the authorities recently cancelled old liquor licenses and started allocating new ones through e-auction. He said that the licensing exercise is still underway and it might take some more time before all liquor shops open in J&K.
What can open?
Apart from essential services including Covid-19 vaccination, here’s a list of activities that have been allowed in Jammu and Kashmir,
Outdoor markets, shopping areas and standalone shops of all types have been permitted to open on alternate weekdays on a rotational basis. In the case of indoor shopping malls, 25 per cent of the total shops can be open at any given time.
-Public transport will function at 50 per cent seating capacity. Auto-rickshaws are permitted to ply without any restriction.
-Barber shops, salons and parlours as well as liquor shops have been allowed to open three days a week.
-Religious places can remain open.
-Restaurants can remain open on all days but only for home delivery. No take-away or dine-in services will be available.
-Outdoor stadia have been allowed to open for sportspersons to resume their training and activities.
-The maximum number of people permitted to attend a gathering of any kind is 25. In the case of funerals, it is 20.
What stays shut?
-Schools, colleges, universities and coaching centres have to remain shut till June 15.
-All cinemas, clubs, bars, gyms, spas, indoor stadia and paid parks will remain closed.
-Additionally, all those entering the union territory will have to undertake a Covid-19 test.
