Aurangabad, Aug 3:
There was confusion in the market throughout the day as no clear orders were issued by the district administration regarding keeping the shops open till 8 pm or shutting down at 4 pm. Some traders kept the shops open in the evening, while others closed at four in fear of action.
The state government relaxed the restrictions in 25 districts including Aurangabad. As per the orders, it was allowed to keep shops open till 8 pm, but the district administration did not announce any guidelines till Tuesday afternoon. This created confusion among the trading community. Some traders called the officials of the Zilla Vyapari Mahasangh, while some called the offices of the newspaper to confirm the time. Rumours also circulated on social media about the orders. This further created panic among the trading community. Meanwhile, citizens also called the traders to know whether the shops were open in the evening.
Orders issued by the administration
On June 7, the city came in first and the district in third level of covid restrictions. Then again on June,27, an order came from the government to put the entire district in the third level. This led to time constraints on the timing of shops in the market. Now, after 35 days, all restrictions in the district have been relaxed but the first day of traders was wasted due to lack of coordination in the administration. Finally, at 8 pm, the order to relax the lockdown was issued with the signatures of district collector Sunil Chavan, municipal administrator Astik Kumar Pandey and commissioner of police Dr Nikhil Gupta.
New timing of the shops:Restrictions on nightlife have been continued. Dining is allowed in all hotels from Monday to Friday from 7 am to 4 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays only parcel facility, home delivery is allowed. All malls, shops will be open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 8 pm. Shops will be closed at 3 pm on Saturday and completely closed on Sunday.
Events with 50 per cent capacityBirthdays, gatherings, social, cultural, entertainment events, meetings, elections, meetings of local authorities, co-operative societies will be allowed from Monday to Friday on open grounds and auditoriums with 50 per cent capacity of the venue. Sports sector, grounds, parks will remain open at full capacity. Gyms, salons, spas, beauty parlours will be open from 7 am to 8 pm till Friday. But will be closed at 3 pm on Saturday and completely closed on Sunday. Essential goods and services shops will be open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
Political rallies and march bannedThere will be a curfew from 9 pm to 5 am. Emergency services will continue on Sunday, with all other services closed. Multiplexes in cinemas and malls and drama theaters will be closed. Restrictions are imposed on political, social, cultural, elections, campaigns, rallies, agitations and marches. There will be restrictions on crowds at fairs, yatras and dindis at religious places.