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To tackle the galloping infections in Kolkata, the authorities have decided to close down the prominent markets in the Kolkata.
One of the largest trade bodies, Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations (CWBTA), has decided to close all the non-essential commodity shops and establishments until May 2.
Markets selling non-essential commodities in areas of downtown Kolkata such as Chandni Chowk, Prinsep Street, Mango Lane, Canning Street, Esplanade, Burrabazar would remain closed at a stretch for four days till Monday.
“We have appealed and sent our circular to different market associations in the city. We have decided to keep the markets selling non-essential commodities closed to check the spike and break the chain of Corona virus,” said Sushil Poddar, president of CWBTA.
He explained that on April 29, due to polling for the last phase of elections, the shops and establishments were closed according to the guidelines of the Election Commission.
“They would be shut on Saturday and Sunday as per an earlier circular by CWBTA. So if we just keep our shops closed on Friday, the chain will be broken for four days,” added Poddar.
Advisory of trade body
The CWBTA advisory also mentioned that all markets/shops/offices throughout the city would open for business from 10 am and 5 pm until further instructions.
“We encourage work-from-home practices. Wearing of mask is compulsory for staffs and the customers as well. We also offer free masks and hand sanitizer to the customers and encourage sanitizing of hands of customers before entering any office or shops in these markets,” said CWBTA general secretary Rajesh Bhatia.
The advisory also said, ‘All of our members have a display board of “No Mask No Entry” in front of the shops and the establishments.
Grim Picture
According to the data released by the state health department, Kolkata is leading the state with total active cases of 25,000 and a death toll of 3,408.
In the past 24 hours 3,900 new cases have been added in Kolkata with 23 fatalities.