India’s Ministry of Home Affairs says some stores will be allowed to reopen, despite the nationwide lockdown.
Since the restrictions began in late March, only essential commodity stores have been able to open every day.
But in an order late Friday, the ministry allowed businesses in some market complexes to open — even if they are selling goods not deemed essential.
Stores will have to operate with half their usual staff, and must ensure they wear masks and adhere to social distancing rules, the order said.
The relaxed rules don’t apply to stores in containment zones.
The total number of reported cases in India stands at 24,447, including 780 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
India’s lockdown will remain in place until May 3.
