New Delhi, Mar 21 (IANS): All major wholesale and retail markets in Delhi remained closed on the first day of the three-days "Trade Bandh" called by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to prevent community transmission of Corona virus.

"Nearly 15 lakh business establishments in Delhi remained closed today on the call of CAIT," the confederation said in a statement.

According to the confederation, the move has been taken after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation had urged people to work from their home for the next few days as a precautionary measure.

"In response to PM and keeping in view of rapidly growing numbers of Corona patients, the CAIT has called for a market shutdown for the next three days from today," the statement said.

"There are about 1.5 million small and big businessmen in Delhi who employ more than 3 million people.The trade bandh in Delhi will be extremely useful in protecting traders, their employees and consumers people from mass infection."

However, CAIT added that chemist, grocery and shops selling essential items is kept out of the "Trade Bandh".