Non-essential shops of 31 categories will shut in Shillong and adjoining areas from tomorrow till May 2 as authorities move to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Similarly, roadside vendors in all areas of the city will operate under the odd-even system from tomorrow.
However, many shopkeepers dealing in non-essential items such as clothes, footwear, stationery, books, computer stores, home furnishing etc have questioned the decision of the authorities to close them.
“We pay our taxes, rent, electricity bill are we are asked to close whereas those roadside vendors who don’t have to spend anything are allowed to open on odd-even system. What is this? In fact, we are the ones who always maintain the protocols of the government on Covid-19,” a cloth seller in Iewduh said.
It may be mentioned that the State government has shut down of colleges and universities in the city till May 3 to deal with the surge in Covid-19 cases.
The government has already shut down schools from the primary level to the higher secondary level.
Tourist spots in East Khasi Hills district, of which Shillong is a part have also been shut till April 30.
Gyms, swimming pools, gaming parlours, cinemas, clubs, salons and bars of Shillong have also been closed.
Government offices have been operating with 33 per cent strength for group C and D staff.
