Coronavirus Lockdown: Delhi, Assam not to implement Centre's order to reopen shops, say 'will review situation first'

New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: Day after the central government allowed neighbourhood and standalone shops to reopen, the state governments in Delhi and Assam said that they have decided not to implement the order, adding that a decision in this regard will be taken later.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that any decision on the directive of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be taken after the review of the situation by the state government. "Discussions are underway. Whatever is finalised, will be started only after April 30, 2020," said Jain, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Similarly, Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna also informed that no decision has been taken by the government pertaining to relaxation of ongoing lockdown such as opening of salons, shops, etc. while adding that a decision in this regard would taken on April 27.

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The central government on Friday night issued a order, allowing neighbourhood and stand-alone shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, to open from Saturday. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), however, said that shops will mandatorily have 50 per cent strength of workers wearing of masks and following social distancing. 

"Market complexes, except those within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, are allowed to open. Mandatory: 50 per cent strength of workers, wearing of masks and observing Social Distancing. Relaxations not applicable in Hotspots/containment zones," the MHA said in a statement. 

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The government has imposed a lockdown in the nation till May amid the surging number of coronavirus cases. As per the latest information available at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 1,429 more COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours, taking India's count of coronavirus cases to 24,506 with 775 deaths.

Out of the total number of cases, 18,668 patients are active cases and 5063 cases have been cured and discharged, or migrated.The death toll stands at 775, with as many as 57 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.