KOZHIKODE: T Naseeruddin, president of Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi said there is no going back from the decision to open all shops in the state from August 9. The decision was taken after giving enough time to the government. He said the package announced by the state government for traders is just a farce.

Meantime, a decision to allow shops to open all days and to function for more time is expected tomorrow. Weekend lockdown is likely to be withdrawn. The assessment is that the weekend lockdown was not expected to be useful. Weekend lockdown was imposed in the state on May 4. A heavy rush is witnessed in shops and streets on Fridays and Mondays. This strengthens the transmission of Covid.

Health experts panel are preparing a new Covid protocol following the directive of the chief minister. The new protocol will control crowd after avoiding closure. A top panel led by the chief secretary will discuss this and present it at the evaluation meet to be convened tomorrow.