Team Herald
PANJIM: A day after desperate citizens thronged stores in large number throwing social distancing norms to the wind, the shopkeepers in Panjim, on Saturday, voluntarily, shut their outlets, even as government allowed shops with essential commodities to function 24×7.
A round in Panjim city including Taleigao, witness almost 90 percent shutdown, except for pharmacies, vegetable and milk outlets, being open for the day. Also, very few grocery stores were open during few hours in the morning, where all, police ensured that purchases are made maintaining social distancing amongst customers.
While many got scared due to the overcrowding situation at the stores, few shut down their stores due to non-availability of food supply.
Simultaneously, the Panjim Municipality has continued with its home delivery of essential commodities.
“Yesterday my store was over crowded. I tried my best to control the crowd but was unable to do so. Hence, I had shut my store half day on Friday itself and did not open it today,” Menezes, a shopkeeper said.
“As a responsible citizen, it is our right to ensure that we provide all support to the government in this crucial time. If people, cannot maintain social distancing and make their purchases, then we cannot risk lives by keeping shops open,” he said adding that he will be doing delivery service to the people, residing within his locality.
Another shopkeeper, refusing to come on record admitted that he kept his shop close as stock was unavailable. “Purchase was made in large on Friday. Today I am left with very limited food items. Hence, I decided to keep it close,” he said.
Almost all the supermarkets were close in the city, while few have advertised to start home delivery service from Monday onwards.
The entire Municipal Market remained shut. Police has barricaded the entire city.
