Covid vigil in Thiruvananthapuram: Token system in fish markets and home delivery days to be imposed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Token system in fish markets and home delivery days will be introduced in the city as part of measures to spread Covid infection as cases without evident sources on infection have been reported in the past few weeks. In a meeting of merchants convened by mayor K Sreekumar here on Tuesday, it was decided that only 50% shops selling fish will be allowed to function on a given day in markets.
Token system will be introduced through contractors who have won auction for fish sales.Street vending of fish will also be regulated. Police help will be sought in regulating entry of crowd to markets.
Super markets in shopping malls will be open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Public entry will be prohibited to super markets in malls on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. These days will be observed as home delivery days and focus will be on delivering goods at home.
Shops selling fruits, vegetables will be open in markets at Chalai,Palayam on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Meat shops and provision stores will also function on alternate days.
The arrangements will be in effect for ten days. Mayor K Sreekumar said that if the restrictions could reduce crowding in these areas, another meeting will be convened to discuss relaxations.
All shops functioning in the city will have to comply with social distancing measures. Only those wearing masks shall be allowed to enter shops. In case of violations, steps will be taken to cancel the trade license of shops. Regulations will be in effect in shops selling food at night. Four health squads of city corporation will be deployed to ensure social distancing in shops.
Special arrangements have been made at corporation main office as well. Public are allowed entry to main office only after initial screening at the counters set up outside main office. Token system will be introduced in main office.
Mayor said that regulations are being effected as part of steps to avoid community spread and to prevent a situation which would necessitate complete lockdown in the city.