No mask, no ration, order Silk City traders

Berhampur: Traders of Berhampur, the biggest commercial city in south Odisha, have taken the lead in the fight against the third wave of Covid-19 by mandating “no mask, no ration” for customers.
The Berhampur Byabasai Mahasangh and Desibehera Banik Sangh have also urged all the shopkeepers to wear masks and to follow Covid-19 guidelines.
Some members of the executive committees of the trade bodies on Thursday evening visited different shops in Bada Bazar, the main business hub of Silk City, to educate the shopkeepers about safety measures.
“We have also suggested the shopkeepers that people not wearing masks should not be given service at their outlets,” said Rabindra Nath Sahu, secretary, Berhampur Byabasai Mahasangh.
“People from across Ganjam and neighbouring districts visit the Bada Bazar for trading purposes. There is a possibility of spread of infection in their congregation. The decision of no mask, no ration would help to protect the shopkeepers, their employees and customers from the deadly virus,” said Sahu.
The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has also decided to intensify its drive to enforce Covid guidelines, especially in the market areas. “The enforcement squads of the BeMC have been asked to enforce Covid guidelines and take steps to close any outlet found violating the government and district administration’s initiatives to keep the virus at bay,” said Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, BeMC commissioner.
Inspired By