Markets to open after August 15, SOPs must

Srinagar, August 13

Even as traders have been demanding reopening of marketplaces, the government today said it would lift the lockdown after August 15 if the Covid-19-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed.

“As per the SOPs, we had opened the markets on June 13, but then a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases was witnessed, following which we reimposed the lockdown. We have discussed reopening of markets from August 16 with the traders, and if 50 per cent of the markets are opened, then the SOPs should be followed. There will be no need of lockdown if people follow the SOPs. The SOPs will be publicised again so that people adhere to the norms,” said the district Development Commissioner, Shahid Iqbal Chowdary.

Chowdary urged people to adhere to the SOPs after the opening of religious places on August 16.

“We had a meeting with 3,000 religious heads, and they are prepared. It is very important that we follow the SOPs, wear masks, maintain social distancing and take all precautionary measures,” he said. — TNS