Supermarkets, grocery stores to be open 24/7 during coronavirus lockdown: Karnataka DGP
Amid the panic buying witnessed by people and subsequent crowding at shops after the coronavirus lockdown announcement, Karnataka director-general of police (DGP) Praveen Sood in a tweet wrote that grocery shops and supermarkets can remain open 24/7 all over the state
FollowBengaluru: The director-general of police (DGP), Praveen Sood said on Wednesday that grocery stores and supermarkets can stay open for 24 hours across the state for people’s convenience.
Sood’s statement came on Wednesday following panic buying and subsequent shopping among people after the government’s announcement of a 21-day long nationwide lockdown starting on March 24 in a bid to keep coronavirus at bay.
With worried people storming supermarkets and neighbourhood grocery stores late night on Tuesday and the following morning, certain areas began to report a shortage of essential items like water, milk and vegetables on day 1 of the 21-day shutdown.
The DGP clarified that in view of people’s convenience these shops will remain open. He however asked people to avoid crowding and cooperate with the police.
Praveen Sood tweeted: “For the convenience of citizens grocery shops and supermarkets seeking food articles can be open 24/7 all over the state. Cooperate with the police by avoiding crowding.” He also said that patients requiring medical attention are allowed to and from the hospital without any need for curfew pass.
The decision to issue curfew pass was also taken on Wednesday by the city police commissioner, Bhaskar Rao following a meeting with e-commerce aggregators. After the meeting, the police department announced a pass system in place to regulate the movement of people. People providing essential services like delivery agents of food, pharmaceutical companies, e-commerce platforms, the staff of medical establishments and others will be issued a pass.
