Health Ministry has issued Standard Operating Procedures on Preventive Measures in Markets to contain the spread of COVID-19. Market places in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.

Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes.

Employees who are at higher risk that is older employees, pregnant employees, and employees who have underlying medical conditions must take extra precautions. The Market Associations will be advised that such persons should not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public.

 
Prior to the resumption of daily activities, all work areas inside the shop shall be sanitized by shop owners. Cleaning and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces should be done before the opening of shops, at the end of the day, and at other appropriate times. Entrance to the shops must have mandatory hand hygiene arrangements.
 
Shop owners need to ensure physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet inside and outside the shops and utilities, specific markings on the floor may be made. They must also ensure queue management inside and outside the shops and utilities.