SIRAHA: Most of the shops in Siraha district have reopened amid the lockdown imposed by the government since March 24 to stem the coronavirus pandemic.

Shops in Golbazaar, Lahan, Dhangadhi and other areas have re-opened considering the people’s demand.

The Siraha Chamber of Commerce and Industry has taken an initiation to resume the business in the district.

People have started coming out of their houses with the opening of groceries, cosmetic shops, cloth stores, and gold and silvers dealers.

Locals, however, fear that opening of markets in this situation could flare the infection risk when the infection rate is jumping in this district of State-2.

Santosh Gupta of Lahan Municipality-4 is among those who is worried about the reopening of shops. It may be noted that eight COVID-19 cases have been detected inside the Lahan Municipality alone.

The opening of shops and market areas has led to the increase in people’s movement. ”It is not possible to maintain social distance here and it is sure to fuel up the infection risk,” he said.

People’s gathering has noticeably increased in vegetable market, and meat shops, according to him.

Lahan Municipality Mayor Muni Shah urged the business community here to take all precautionary measures while resuming the business to control the further spread of the virus.

Chief District Officer Saroj Prasad Gurgain said no permission was sought from the administration to resume business activities and they could be closed at any time if shops become crowded.

(With inputs from RSS)