Confusion as several shops open

‘No Easing Of Curbs’ Statement Comes Late

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:21.04.2020

A large number of shops, including upmarket coffee shops, hardware stores and salons opened for business on Monday morning as confusion reigned over easing of the lockdown.

This is because until Monday afternoon the state government had not made any announcement that the lockdown curbs will not be relaxed and will remain as strict as ever.

The Union government had issued guidelines indicating relaxation of lockdown for certain shops. Senior government officials were clueless on Sunday night when asked if the lockdown would continue under Greater Chennai Corporation limits on Monday.

Traders told TOI shops in the Broadway area opened for business. Across north Chennai, residents reported that establishments selling construction material were open and that plumbers and other workmen were active.

Cops told TOI that salons in Washermenpet, Tondiarpet and Royapuram area remained open. “We were also confused whether we should impose the lockdown strictly as there were no clear instructions. That’s why we took it easy today. From tomorrow, it will be strict as usual,” said a police officer.

Traders association leader Vikram Raja told TOI that establishments selling construction material and hardware stores were open in the morning, but shut by1pm.

“By afternoon, it became clear the lockdown would be extended till May 3. We support the decision,” he said. This was despite grave losses to several small-time traders, he said, adding that at this moment the lives of people were more important.

However, the association is going to submit a memorandum to TN government officials. “We want the government to allow traders to at least clean their shops while keeping the shutters down. We usually clean our premises every week. Since the shops have been shut down for a month, it will be a mess inside,” he said.

Raja said cement shops would be the worst hit as the commodity could be damaged with lumps forming in the bags if left unattended.

Raja said the association members feared that the extended lockdown would spell doom for many trades. Professionals like barbers and tailors have lost their livelihood, he said. “We have requested the government to give a one-time cash transfer of ₹5,000 and one month’s ration to these professionals,” he said.

Senior government officials were clueless on Sunday night when asked if the lockdown would continue under the corporation limits on Monday