KATHMANDU.

Shops in several towns in Siraha have been reopened amidst the nationwide lockdown implemented by the government since March 24 to stem the coronavirus. Shops based in Lahan, Golbazaar, Dhangadhi and other market areas have been opened in view of the people’s demand. It is said the Siraha Chamber of Commerce and Industry took an initiation to resume the business. People’s movement in the market areas has increased with the opening of groceries, cloth stores, cosmetic shops and gold and silvers dealers. However, locals fear that opening of markets could flare the infection risk when the infection rate is jumping in this district of State-2. 

Santosh Gupta of Lahan Municipality-4 is among those who is worried about the reopening of shops. It may be noted that eight COVID-19 cases have been detected inside the Lahan Municipality alone. The opening of shops and market areas has led to the increase in people’s movement. ”It is not possible to maintain social distance here and it is sure to fuel up the infection risk,” he said. 

People’s gathering has noticeably increased in vegetable market, and meat shops, according to him. Lahan Municipality Mayor Muni Shah urged the business community here to take all precautionary measures while resuming the business to control the further spread of the virus. Chief District Officer Saroj Prasad Gurgain said no permission was sought from the administration to resume business activities and they could be closed at any time if shops become crowded.