All Shops To Remain Open In Mumbai From Aug 5; West Bengal Issues New Dates For Complete Shutdown

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on August 3 said all shops in the city are allowed to remain open all days from August 5 irrespective of the odd-even rule. In a circular issued under the Mission Begin Again, the civic body also allowed the counter sale of liquor in Mumbai with proper social distancing norms. Besides, all essential shops which were allowed to remain open earlier shall continue to do so whereas all non-essential markets, market complexes & shops will remain open from 9 am to 7 pm, the BMC said. However, theatres, food courts/restaurants will continue to remain shut. Apart from allowing sale of liquor at shop counters, the BMC said home delivery of booze is allowed with strict compliance with norms. The number of cases in Maharashtra has reached 4,50,196 with 15,842 deaths. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government revised its lockdown strategy for August, issuing fresh dates on which complete shutdown would be implemented. Statewide complete lockdown shall now be observed on the following days: Wednesday 5th August, Saturday 8th August, Thursday 20th August, Friday 21st Aug, Thursday 27th August, Friday 28th Aug and Monday 31st August. The number of cases in West Bengal has reached 78,232 with 1,731 deaths being reported.