Assam today revised relaxation norms for Kamrup (Metro) that came into effect today till the 14-day lockdown period expires, even as at least 2,741 COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in Guwahati in the last ten days.
Meanwhile there are speculations about the possibility of extending the total lockdown in the district by at least a week in the wake of spike in COVID-19 cases.
On Sunday in a fresh order issued by Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna, the State government has allowed all standalone grocery shops in Kamrup (Metro) district to operate between 11 am and 4 pm from Monday to Friday – a modification from the earlier notification that had allowed only 20 per cent of the grocery shops to operate for two days during the week.
The decision to open all the grocery shops has been taken to ensure that people do not go out of their respective areas and stick to the neighbourhood shops. “Shopkeepers and customers shall have to wear masks, hand gloves and maintain social distancing,” the order stated.
“The responsibility of maintenance of social distancing will be on the shop owner and failure to do so will be viewed very seriously and may entail closure of defaulting shops. Maintenance of price line and prevention of artificial shortage will be the responsibility of shopkeepers and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department,” the order added, enumerating the partial modification.
Further, house-to-house sale of fruits and vegetables shall be allowed between 8 am and 2 pm on Monday and Wednesday (July 6 and July 8). However, no roadside vending of any fruit, vegetable or fish, etc., will be allowed.
The wholesalers of grocery items were allowed to replenish stocks of retailers by today between 12 noon and 6 pm.
