STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The new SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to contain the spread of COVID-19 are being strictly implemented across the city and the police are making it certain that no one can break the protocols. In every area, the police made announcements using loudspeakers to follow the new SOPs and appealed to the vendors to close their shops after 2 pm.
The city roads wore a deserted look as soon as the business establishments were shut down. Moreover, a night curfew is being imposed from 6 pm.
As all shops, business establishments and offices across the city have been directed to be closed after 2 pm in adherence to the new SOPs, the Assam Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has expressed concern that the guidelines will deteriorate the condition of the traders by burning a hole in their pockets.
Talking to The Sentinel, ACC adviser Rupam Goswami said, "Last year's lockdown severely affected the traders. Many traders had to shut down their businesses after incurring huge losses. The government gave financial assistance to many sections of people. However, the traders were deprived of any assistance."
Goswami underlined that the businesses had started to revive after being paralyzed by last year's lockdown.
"The resurgence of COVID-19 is again pushing the traders in the same direction as last year. The newly issued SOPs are affecting the traders and we fear that their condition will turn worse if total lockdown is imposed," Goswami stressed.
He asserted that along with the traders the government will also incur losses in revenue as the former will pay less tax.
The ACC appealed to the government to hold discussions so that the traders are not paralyzed by the pandemic situation.
It also urged the business establishments to follow the COVID protocols while running their businesses.
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