Supermarkets and shops will remain open, says Corpn

“Big establishments in T Nagar, where thousands of people would be gathering where there is a potential of COVID-19 spreading will only be closed. All other small shops, groceries, stores, milk shops, medical shops and hotels will remain open,” said Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash.

Rumourmongers had spread messages on social media platforms saying all the vegetable shops, supermarkets and essential shops would be closed due to COVID-19. This has forced the public to scramble for commodities creating crowds in supermarkets.

He also said that except malls and theatres, other facilities like fruit, vegetable, meat and fish markets and supermarkets would remain open. “The aim is to prevent the spread of the virus and not affect the common man’s life,” he said.

The Chennai Corporation also warned those spreading rumours and said such rumours would be criminally taken cognisance of. “The rumour creators and those who forward such messages will be taken to task as per law,” Prakash warned.

Meanwhile, footfall in the Koyambedu wholesale market has come down due to the COVID-19 threat, bringing down the prices of vegetables. All the vehicles entering the market were disinfected on Wednesday.

The civic body had already warned the managements of schools, shopping malls, theatres, swimming pools, gyms and amusement parks of lock and seal action if the establishments are found open.