Hyderabad: In view of the continuing surge in Covid-19 cases in Telangana and especially in hotspot Hyderabad, traders in different commercial clusters in the state capital have voluntarily announced a 'lockdown'.
Though the government has already ruled out re-imposing lockdown, traders' associations decided to close the shops for a period ranging from one to two weeks.
While traders in Begum Bazar, a major trading centre in the city, had reduced the business hours a few days ago, businessmen in several other areas decided to down shutters as a precautionary measure.
Some of the commercial centres either fall in containment zones or are close to the worst-affected areas.
Textile traders of General Bazar in Secunderabad voluntarily decided to shut down the business for few days to help contain the spread of coronavirus. Their association voiced concern over the increasing number of cases and said the decision was taken in the interest of people.
The Hyderabad Kirana Merchants Association and the Hyderabad and Secunderabad Sanitary Association have announced that their members will keep the shops closed for next few days.
A similar decision was taken by traders in Troop Bazar, a key commercial hub. Traders in historic Laad Bazar near Charminar famous for bangles and bridal wear also decided to shut the shops. Traders in Pathar Gatti, also near Charminar, shut the shops from Thursday.
The decision by the trade bodies came amid growing public concern over the spread of Covid-19. With every passing day, the state and Hyderabad is witnessing a new high in cases.