Health Ministry has issued Standard operating Procedures on Preventive Measures in Markets to contain spread of COVID-19. Market places in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open-up. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Employees who are at higher risk that is older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions must take extra precautions. The Market Associations will be advised that such persons should not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public.
Prior to resumption of daily activities, all work areas inside the shop shall be sanitized by shop owners. Cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces should be done before opening of shops, at the end of the day and at other appropriate times. Entrance to the shops must have mandatory hand hygiene arrangement.
Shop owners need to ensure physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet inside and outside the shops and utilities, specific markings on the floor may be made. They must also ensure queue management inside and outside the shops and utilities.