Can malls open? Here's what the MHA says at it allows non-essential shops amid Covid

Announcing a massive decision, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday night allowed all shops under the Shops and Establishment Act to reopen from April 25 amid the Coronavirus pandemic. This includes shops in residential complexes and market complexes. The order states that the shops will function at 50 percent strength and precautions against COVID-19 — wearing masks and social distancing — are mandatory.  However, multi-brand and single-brand malls and shops in multi-brand and single-brand malls outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities will remain closed.  

READ | Modi Govt Announces Reopening Of Shops, Non-essential Services; Here's What's Allowed

Malls to remain closed

READ | Andaman And Nicobar Islands Sees Rise In Covid-19 Cases To 27; Measures Heightened

The Home Ministry has clarified that the relaxation in the given order is not applicable in hotspots and containment zones. It has also prohibited the reopening of shops in multi-brand and single-brand malls. The order is an amendment to Centre's April 15 order issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nationwide lockdown due to Coronavirus pandemic till May 3.

What will be open after this order?

• All shops registered under the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective State/Union Territory
• Shops in residential complexes within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities
• Neighbourhood shops within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities
• Salons and parlours 
• Standalone shops within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities
• All the markets in rural areas
• All non-essential goods and services in urban areas provided they are within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities

READ | 'Stalin Indulging In Vendetta For Political Gains': TN Dy CM Panneerselvam

What will not be open after this order?

• Liquor shops
• Market complexes, outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities
• Shops in multi-brand and single-brand malls outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities.
• Multi-brand and single-brand malls
• Shops in the hotspots and containment zones, except essentials

READ | Sawant Talks To Disembarked Goan Crew Members Of Cruise Ship