Many businessmen are yet to recover from the losses incurred during the last two lockdowns.
Udupi District Varthakar Hitarakshana Vedike, a forum of traders, has opposed weekend curfew and night curfew to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Addressing media persons in Udupi on January 13, Forum President Diwakar Sanil said that imposition of weekend curfew and night curfew is not the solution to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“When political and religious events are taking place without any restrictions, it is not appropriate to impose restrictions on trade and commerce activities,” he said.
He said that many businessmen are yet to recover from the losses suffered during the last two lockdowns, adding that some have even ended their lives.
Mr Sanil said the government should have thought about the impact before announcing weekend and night curfews. This will force many shopkeepers and traders to reduce the workforce, which in turn will lead to another socio-economic problem.
He said that overcrowding in shopping malls can lead to spread of COVID-19, but not in shops of small traders and merchants, who can easily implement COVID-19 protocols. But small shopkeepers are not able to recover from the loss caused during the lockdown due to restrictions on business activities.
The government should come to the rescue of the traders. They demanded withdrawal of weekend curfew and night curfew.
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