Minimal relaxations from July 15

Shops can remain open till 8 p.m., but traders not impressed

Thiruvananthapuram From July 15, shops can remain open till 8 p.m. However, non-essential shops will remain closed in “critical spread” localities where the test positivity rate is higher than 15%. The proposed relaxations are minimal. Retail, as per earlier norms, is allowed only on alternate weekdays. Weekend lockdowns will endure. The State has permitted textile, furniture, home appliances, jewellery, electronic and vehicle showrooms to open from July 15. The government’s “perfunctory” relaxation of norms has not impressed the retail sector. The Kerala Vyapara Vyvasayi Ekopana Samathi (KVVES) has dismissed the “token” ease of restriction as a half measure. Its office-bearers said in Kozhikode that traders would dare the government and open for business as usual on all days from July 15. Street food vendors are likely to follow suit.