Thursday, June 4, 2020

Valley traders open shops after 73 days

The Valley traders today defied government lockdown orders – after 73 days – and opened their shops. The government has imposed lock down since March 24, and after extending it for eighth time has kept until June 14.
After the traders opening their shops, the chief district officers (CDOs) of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur invited the traders to discuss the safety and security of the business.
The chief district officers of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur after holding an emergency meeting with the traders, who boycotted the lockdown and opened their shops, said that they are positive on easing the lockdown.
The meeting discussed ways to manage the lockdown in a safe and proper way, chief district officer of Kathmandu Janak Dahal said, adding that opening businesses without safety precautions could raise the risk of coronavirus transmission and burden the health facilities.
“The local administration offices of the three cities also held talks with the traders after the emergency meeting,” he added.
Nepal Chambers of Commerce (NCC) – representing the traders – hold discussion with the three CDOs of the Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. “I discussed with chief district officer of Kathmandu Janak Dahal, chief district officer of Lalitpur Narayan Prasad Bhatta, and chief district officer of Bhaktapur Humkala Pandey,” Shrestha said, after the meeting. “We have also recommended to let the businesses operate with safety and security by changing the modality of the lockdown,” he said, adding that they have offered to help businesses.
The local traders yesterday decided to open their businesses saying the lockdown is hurting their livelihood.
The president of Nepal National Traders’ Federation Naresh Katuwal said that since the lockdown has put thousands of people on the verge of losing their jobs and businesses, they decided to open their businesses from 8 to 11 in the morning by taking the necessary health and safety precautions advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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