Physical distance of at least six feet, masks, sanitizers mandatory: DDMA issues SOP for weekly markets in national capital

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Sunday said weekly markets, barring those in containment zones, will be allowed to open between 4 PM and 10 PM for one week.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which issued standard operating procedures for weekly markets, said only asymptomatic customers will be allowed in them.

Pregnant women, children aged below 10, elderly aged above 65 and persons with comorbidities have been advised to stay home.

"Weekly markets in containment zones will remain closed. Only those outside containment zones would be allowed to open up as per the orders of DDMA, from 4 PM to 10 PM," the SOPs read.

Stall owners and customers have to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet, and use face masks and hand sanitisers.

Spitting will be strictly prohibited.

Large gatherings are not allowed.

"No joining or merging of stalls will be allowed. Not more than two persons will be allowed to operate a stall," the DDMA order said.

There will be at least six-feet distance between two stalls and not more than two buyers will be allowed to deal at any stall at one time, it said.

"Respective Zonal Deputy Commissioner of local authorities concerned will select the weekly markets for each day which will be opened and it must be ensured that only such weekly markets are made operational where this SOP can be implemented in letter and spirit," the DDMA said.

Some of the key points from the SOP:

• Weekly markets will be allowed to function by adhering to the following standard operating procedure.

• Use face masks and hand sanitisers.

• Six feet: Distance to be maintained by stall owners and customers; same distance between two stalls.

• Only asymptomatic customers will be allowed.

• Two Maximum number of people allowed to operate a stall & maximum number of buyers allowed at a time.

• Weekly markets in containment zones will remain closed.

• Pregnant women, children aged below 10, elderly aged above 65 and persons with comorbidities have been advised to stay home.

• No joining or merging of stalls allowed.

• Time: 4 pm to 10 pm.

• Spitting strictly prohibited.

• Large gatherings not allowed.

(With PTI Inputs)