Abiding Covid guidelines, shops down their shutter at 6 PM in Silchar

April 21: Assam government has issued new Covid guidelines on 20 April, as per which “All Market places / supermarkets / shops in the Malls /weekly markets should be closed by 6.00 PM.” Though there were a lot of confusion among the merchants as regards stand alone shops, yet in Silchar almost all shops and business establishments except pharmacies pulled down their shutter at 6 PM. Even the town gave a deserted look. Owners of the stand alone shops were also found to close their shops at the stipulated time.

However, as per a revised order issued by the state government on 21 April, it was specified that Restaurants, Dhabas and other eateries can entertain dine-in guest only up to 6.00 PM. However, take away/ home delivery is allowed upto the usual time of closure as per local regulations. Restaurants operating within a Hotel or Resort can allow outside guests up to 6.00 PM only. However, in-house guests of the Hotel/ Resort may be allowed to dine-in up to the usual time of operation.

Further, delivery of essential goods through e-Commerce may continue after 6.00 PM. Cold storages and warehouses may continue beyond 6.00 PM. However, sale counters, showrooms etc. attached to these warehouses or cold storage shall close after 6.00 PM. Pharmacies, Hospitals, Animal Care Centres and Veterinary clinics may operate without restrictions being providers of essential and emergency services.