Kolkata: Covid protocol back at markets as traders sound alert

KOLKATA: Several market committees have directed traders to follow all safety guidelines after a few cases were detected among businessmen in wholesale and retail markets in central Kolkata.
Though the cases have been mild and did not require hospitalisation, umbrella bodies of traders sounded alert on wearing masks, refrain from crowding in markets and using digital platforms to place and receive orders. Several markets have already reintroduced thermal scanning at entry points and issued circulars for traders to wear masks and not let too many people crowd their shops.
Markets had to be shut down during the last three waves of the pandemic in the last two years to prevent further spread of the virus. It had led to severe losses for the business community. This time, the business wants to take precautions in advance so that trade is not impacted.
Sushil Poddar of the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations said market committees had been advised to follow all safety recommendations of the government to prevent further spread of the virus. "There have been some mild cases but we do not want to take any chance. Two years of pandemic were tough for the business community as markets were shut and the demand was low. Several traders were on the brink of bankruptcy. We cannot allow that to happen again. Since the cases are rising again, we have sent a directive to all market committees to stay alert and follow all safety guidelines," said Poddar.
On Ezra Street, the biggest hub for electrical goods and appliances in the city, several markets have introduced thermal scanning at the entry points and put up posters at various points, urging shop owners and customers to wear masks. "Thousands visit the markets everyday and it is difficult to convince everybody to wear masks and follow all other guidelines. But we are trying to create awareness by deploying volunteers to request visitors to wear masks. Just wearing a simple mask can save us from a lot of trouble," said Abhijeet Jain, joint secretary of the West Bengal Electrical Goods' Business Owners' Welfare Association.
Several traders are placing orders online. "I have sent details of my requirements to my supplier, who will despatch the goods. I am avoiding travelling to crowded places," said Gopal Rajgaria, who deals in toys in Mehta Building.