Delhi and Maharashtra Reopen Markets after Lockdown

Delhi and Maharashtra, which were badly affected by the 2nd wave of Corona, have decided to reopen from 7th of June onwards after a long lockdown. There has been a huge demands from the traders' bodies to reopen the markets as they have been suffering from business losses.

Delhi

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that from 7th of June, metros shall begin to ply. Malls and markets also shall open on an odd-even basis.

"The private offices will be allowed to function with 50 per cent staff. Group A staff of government offices will be allowed to function with 100%, group B with 50% staff," the Delhi Chief Minister said.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra has divided its districts into 5 levels depending upon the number of cases and occupancy of oxygen beds, Level 1 having least cases.

The state government has said that Level 1 will have the least restrictions, while Level 5 shall come under the most restrictions.

Level 1 has 5% cases and 25% occupancy of oxygen beds.

Almost all facilities shall reopen in these districts, including malls, restaurants, gyms and marriage functions.

Level 2 has more than 5% cases and 25-40% occupancy of oxygen beds.

In this level, essential and non-essential shops can reopen, but malls and theatres will open at 50% capacity.

Level 3 has 5-10% cases and more than 40% occupancy of oxygen beds.

Malls, theatres etc shall remain shut in this level. Non-essential shops can open till 4 pm on weekdays, while essential shops shall open on weekdays till 4 pm.

Social gatherings will have 50% attendance, marriage ceremonies will have up to 50 people and funerals shall have upto 20 members.

Level 4 has 10-20% cases and oxygen beds occupancy of more than 60%.

In this level, only essential shops shall reopen on weekdays till 4 pm. social gatherings are not permitted. Weddings shall have 25 people and funerals 20 people.

E-commerce deliveries of only essential items shall be allowed.

Level 5 has more than 20% cases and 75% or more occupancy of oxygen beds.

In this level, lockdown like restrictions shall continue. Essential shops can open till 4 pm.

Mumbai falls under Level 3 category.

Implications for IT MSMEs

In these circumstances, IT MSMEs will do well to move their business online. They should build an online platform and drive traffic towards their online profile. This will keep their business from going down.

Even if there are areas with restrictions being lifted, the real problem is that people don't want to move out and risk contracting Corona.

Read more from Dr Archana Verma here.