Kolkata: From guard rails to tokens, traders find new ways to keep coronavirus at bay

KOLKATA: Owners of business establishments have started resorting to different means to protect themselves and their employees from the virus. While some have barred entry of customers into their shops, others have introduced token systems. Some have even put up barriers made of wooden poles or guard rails so that nobody enters their establishments.
Traders have been forced to take these measures after several businessmen tested positive and developed complications.
The state government has curbed the timings of shops selling non-essential items from 7am to 10am and 3pm to 5pm. Those dispensing essential services, like medical stores, groceries and shops selling medical equipment, can operate beyond the stipulated timings.
“We have told our members to prioritize their lives and that of their employees over business,” said Chandresh Meghani, president of the Calcutta Electric Dealers’ Association, who was admitted in hospital with Covid-related complications for two weeks. “I have requested traders not to take the virus lightly because it can create havoc inside. They must take all precautions even if it means that they have to forgo some business.”
Pawan Ostwal, who owns an electrical goods shop in Pollock Street, has put up barriers at the entrance. “Including me and my employees, we are already seven people inside the shop. At any point of time, there are at least 10 customers. Seventeen people inside this small shop is nothing less than a disaster,” said Ostwal.
Several sweets shops in central Kolkata, too, have stopped serving sweets and savouries to customers to eat inside the shop. At Bhim Chandra Nag on BB Ganguly Street, customers queue up outside the shop. “All orders are for parcels only. Earlier, people would order sweets and singaras and eat on the side tables kept inside. But we have stopped that practice because in the evening, there are over 15 to 20 people inside,” said an employee of the popular sweet shop.
The second wave of the pandemic has taken everybody by surprise. Many businessmen were thinking of sales picking up this year. They said time curbs had adversely impacted their businesses because many of them had started stocking up goods. “But we are only getting five to six hours for business and the timings are very odd,” said Rajesh Bhuvalka, a textile trader in Cotton Street.
Many traders have taken the digital route. “I have told my customers in districts to let me know their requirements and I will transport it to them. They can transfer the money to my account. This saves them the travel,” said Mahendra Poddar, a wholesaler of dry fruits at Sadasukh Katra market on MG Road.