Misleading: With 25,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in India on 24 April 2020, all the shops have been opened for the Ramadan season but previously with relatively fewer cases Holi, Ugadi and Easter festivals were not celebrated.

By: Aswathi K
May 15 2020

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Government of India permitted to open some shops with constraints to restore economic activities in the country, but not for the sake of Ramadan.Ministry of Home Affairs order dated 24 April 2020, permitted to open the shops that provide non-essential goods and services from 25 April.The neighbourhood shops and standalone shops located in residential complexes within municipal areas could be opened by ensuring 50 per cent workers and necessary precautions, whereas shops in marketplaces, malls located in municipality areas should remain closed. MHA press release published by PIB reveals that the Government of India has issued a strict lockdown in the country for 21 days from 25 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. News agencies reported that the religious festivals in India such as Holi (March 9), Ugadi (March 25), and Easter (12 April) were celebrated quietly without massive gathering during the lockdown period by following rules and regulations. The government's approval for the opening of certain shops with revised guidelines and rules is intended to provide a boost for the economic activity of the country and does not concern the Ramadan celebrations. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.