Shops in Mumbai's municipal markets to open on odd-even basis

After remaining shut since coronavirus-induced lockdown, shops in municipal markets of Mumbai will w be allowed to operate on odd-even basis, a civic official said on Wednesday.

city has over 200 municipal markets including 16 private markets. In a circular issued on Wednesday, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said shopkeepers will have to take adequate precautions to prevent spread of COVID-19.

"Traders, vendors and customers will be required to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines while operating ir establishments on both sides of se markets alternately on odd-even basis," BMC stated.

Shopkeepers have assured to arrange for masks, gloves, sanitisers and check body temperature of each person and even hire private security guards for crowd control if required, circular stated.

However, hotels and eateries inside se markets will continue to remain shut and only two people will be allowed to work in each shop, it was stated.

As per release, assistant municipal commissioners will take a call on wher to open municipal markets in containment zones of ir wards.

All establishments, barring shops selling essential commodities, have remained shut since lockdown came into force on March 22.