All shops, except those in multi-brand and single brand malls, registered under respective states' and UTs' Shops and Establishments Act can now open with 50% of their workforce. The government said that mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing would be required. This was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in an order dated April 24. Through a press release and a series of tweets, the Ministry clarified that e-commerce platforms are still restricted to selling essential goods only. Essential goods, as per the original March 24 order, are restricted to food, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. The Delhi government, however, said that it will decide on the Home Ministry's decision only this afternoon, NDTV reported. Delhi currently has 92 hotspots where shops will remain closed, but decision about the rest of the city will be taken today. Delhi State Health Minister Satyendra Jain said that any decision taken will be implemented only after April 30, ANI reported. It then appears that the Centre has allowed the states to take a call on whether or not all shops should be opened. We have reached out to the Home Ministry for clarification. In a statement sent to media, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said that it had "appealed" to traders across the country to not open their shops immediately and instead wait for orders from their respective state governments. "Since Trade and Shops and Establishment is the State subject, only the States Governments are empowered to take the decision," the statement said. CAIT…
