NONGSTOIN: The Syiem of Hima Nongstoin on Friday announced the reopening of Nongstoin market on a rotational basis from Monday from 8 am to 6 pm.
The order was issued after discussions between the West Khasi Hills District Magistrate and the Syiem of Hima Nongstoin.
There will be no big market day (Iew heh) or small market day (Iew rit) as was the norm, but shops will open on an odd-even basis as numbered by the Nongstoin Market COVID-19 Management Committee.
Shops with odd numbers will open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while shops having even numbers will open for business on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the order said.
The Committee will also slap fines on shop owners or customers who do not wear masks or are found spitting in the open. Shopkeepers have to take up the responsibility of maintaining physical distance between the customers and prevent overcrowding. The shopkeepers must also wear masks at all times.
Customers have been asked to avoid direct contact and practise hand hygiene and physical distancing.
The Committee has arranged a water tank at the market entrance for washing hands whilst health advisories in local languages have been displayed at the entry points.
The Hima Nongstoin has also banned smoking of cigarettes or Duma inside the market.
Besides the Nongstoin market, shops will also remain open in Umlieh, Marskuin, Nonglwai, Nongkhlaw, Byrki, Sangriang, Risiang, Mawkynjoin, Mawliehbah Mawnar, Mawlangniang, Diskiang, Mawrusyiar, Sohpian, Nongspung and Nongstoin town area.
