Delhi markets save chemists, general stores to be shut March 21-23

New Delhi, March 20 Markets in the national capital will remain closed for three days starting from Saturday to control the spread of coronavirus infection, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) announced on Friday.

Essential good providers including chemists, dairy and general consumer items will remain open, CAIT General Secretary Praveen Khandelwal said.

"In the wake of rapidly growing threat of coronavirus, prominent trade leaders of different parts of Delhi decided to close business establishments in Delhi for next three days beginning tomorrow (Saturday) to prevent community transmission of coronavirus," he said.

Khandelwal said that traders will review the situation on evening of March 23 and will decide their future action.

"The CAIT has exempted chemist shops, dairy and general consumables from the shut down for the convenience of citizens for procuring their daily requirements."

He added that traders are committed to extend all possible help to the government in containing community transmission of coronavirus.

Earlier in the day, the traders' body said that traders across the country will shut their businesses on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a 'Janata Curfew' on that day, urging citizens to stay indoors to prevent spread of novel coronavirus.

Khandelwal said that around seven crore traders across the country, including nearly 15 lakh traders and about 35 lakh of their employees in the national capital, will participate in Janata Curfew on March 22.

"On the clarion call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seven crore traders across country will down their shutters on Sunday, March 22, to participate in Janata Curfew. About 40 crore employees of traders will remain at their home," Khandelwal said.

Addressing the nation on Thursday evening on the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Modi urged the people of the country to opt for a 'Janata Curfew' on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Delhi government has already announced the closure all non-essential services in Delhi till March 31. All cinemas, public swimming pools, dine-in at restaurants, schools, colleges and clubs have been shut. On Thursday, it also barred gatherings of more than 20 persons at one place. Earlier, the limit was 50 persons.

In India, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has crossed 200 and four death have been reported so far.

( With inputs from IANS )