New Delhi, Mar 20 (IANS): Traders across the country may shut their businesses on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a 'Janata Curfew' on that day, urging citizens to stay indoors to prevent spread of novel coronavirus, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has said.

The traders' body would take the final decision on the shutdown on Friday.

"In response to the clarion call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for imposing self Janata Curfew on 22 March, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) appreciated the call of Prime Minister and the commercial markets across the country will take part in Janata Curfew and seven crore business establishments in the country may down their shutters on 22 March," CAIT GeneraL Secretary Praveen Khandelwal said.

"A final decision to the call for nationwide market closure on 22 March will be taken tomorrow after having consultations with trade leaders of all states," he added.

Khandelwal also said that CAIT lauded the formation of COVID-19 taskforce under the chairmanship of Finance Minister, also announced by the Prime Minister in his televised address, terming it a right step which will mitigate the problems and concerns of the traders.