PTI reported. This development comes following the Delhi government recently reiterating that wearing masks in public places is mandatory and a fine of ₹500 is to be imposed on violators, the traders are concerned that if cases continue to rise, restrictions will be imposed on markets, which are still reeling under the compound effect of inflation and multiple covid waves.
Additionally, the national capital on Thursday reported 2,726 fresh Covid-19 cases, the highest in nearly seven months, according to health department data and markets are the first ones to be impacted because of restrictions.
Ashok Randhawa, president of Mini Market Association, Sarojini Nagar said that traders have started taking precautions by pasting posters outside their establishments telling customers about the mask mandate, the PTI report said. "Traders had also stopped wearing masks, but today, I checked all were wearing masks.
We are asking customers politely to wear a mask but people have become complacent and we cannot force them," Randhawa said. The association has also distributed a circular, informing traders about the mandatory precautions to be taken.