Update: AP Government gives further lockdown relaxation for shops

The AP State Government has taken a further step towards the relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown rules and regulations for shops. A government order has been issued regarding the permission of the limited opening of shops and establishments. This has been done in cohesion with the Government of India’s decision to carry such an exercise in certain areas of the country. The following orders are issued by AP Chief Secretary to Government, Nilam Sawhney to clarify the lockdown relaxation for shops in the state. The following orders are issued to operationalize the same impartial modifications of COVID Instant Order 48:

1. No Shops shall remain open in the containment zone, i.e. core area and buffer zone, as notified by the district administration. This will hold till the containment operations are completed and that area is duly de-notified

2. In all other places, Shops may remain open from 10 am to 5 pm only, wherever they are applicable except shops like pharmacies which are specially permitted for longer duration previously. Also, shops selling products like fruits, vegetables & milk may be permitted from 6 AM to 11 AM as per local conditions as decided by district administration.

3. No Shopping Malls, market complexes or markets in rural or urban areas shall be allowed.

4. In rural areas, all standalone shops or colony shops or shops within residential complexes are permitted to open in the rural areas across

5. Cloth shops, Jewellery shops and Shoe/ Chappal shops are not permitted.

6. In Urban Areas, colony shops or shops within residential complexes are permitted to open. The standalone shops shall also be allowed to open. However, in places where there are adjacent shops except those selling groceries, pharmacies and other daily essentials, the municipal
commissioners shall be in consultation with the market association will ensure at least one closed shop in between two open shops in order to ensure that there is no crowding. The shops closed on one day may be allowed to open on the next day as per roaster.

7. In Municipal Corporations with a large number of active cases, the district collectors shall allow only shops selling essential goods and shops selling material required for construction activities, agricultural operations like seeds/pumps etc., and Industrial operations like spares etc.

8. Following measures shall be implemented in shops which are permitted to open.
i. Physical distance of 6 feet has to be maintained. Circles to be drawn in front of shops to ensure this physical distancing,
ii. Sanitizers should be made available at entry and exit doors.
iii. Staff in the shops should wear masks and hand gloves. Customers shall be encouraged to wear masks.