Kumta: In view of the surging COVID in Kumta, the Grocery Vendors' Association' has come up with the decision that all the grocery stores in the town shall remain closed for a week from September 16.

A statement issued by the Groceries' Association said: "From September 16 to September 21, the wholesale or retail grocery stores will be completely closed. Some of our businessmen have infected to this disease. It has been decided to keep the shops closed so that the disease does not spread among the customers due to us. The public is urged to cooperate fully in the implementation of this decision taken by the vendors to curb the spread of Coronavirus and protect public health. Use face mask regularly and maintain social distance strictly".

Responding to this decision, Assistant Commissioner Ajit M said, "There will be no interference from the taluka administration in the decision taken by the shopkeepers on their own will. But people should not face any problem because of this.  The public must abide by the protocols and guidelines issued in connection with Coronavirus".

It may be recalled that 752 people have so far been infected with Coronavirus in Kumta. Four people have died and 256 active patients are currently undergoing treatment. So far, a total of 492 patients have recovered.