Following the consistent rise in Coronavirus positive cases several groups, including trade bodies and professional associations, have voluntarily decided to shut their businesses for two days on an experimental basis to break the virus transmission chain in Bokaro.

In a meeting convened by the Bokaro Chamber of Commerce and Industries, several traders, businessmen of Bokaro and Chas decided to shut down their businesses or establishments on Wednesday and Thursday. It has also been decided that establishments will be open from 8 am till 6 pm only.

Sanjay Baidh, President of the Chamber said we have taken this decision voluntarily aiming to curtail the spread of deadly COVID-19 as an experimental basis. “Two days shut down will continue every week till the spread of the coronavirus is controlled,” he said.

We have made an appeal to all trades and business establishments across the twin cities for two days closer. And we are sure that this experiment (move) will help in breaking the COVID-19 transmission chain, said Mahesh Gupta General Secretary of Chamber.

“Though, the essential services would be free from these restrictions,” he added.

Besides others, Amardeep Kumar, Baidhnath Kedia, Manoj Giri, Naresh Agrawal, Sanjay Thakkar, RN Upadhyay, Jitender Kumar, Rajesh Rai, Sanjay Soni were present in the meeting.  

Notably, Bokaro sees a huge spurt in fresh COVID-19 cases during the past few days. Five new positive cases of the virus have been reported on Wednesday night. All have been shifted to COVID Hospital and contact tracing of all is being done.

Till now 146 persons were tested positive in the district while the total number of active cases rushed to 68 following the discharge of 29 COVID-19 patients from Bokaro General Hospital (BGH) on Wednesday.

The death toll in the district stands at four.