Ranchi, May 19 (IANS): Many shops were opened in Jharkhand on Tuesday following directions of the central and the state governments.

Following the central government's directive for the latest phase of lockdown, the state government on Monday issued circular relaxing many norms. It decided to start industrial activities in the industrial areas (irrespective of access control). Construction activities have been also been allowed.

The government also decided to allow godown, warehouses, shops selling hardware and construction-related items, books and stationary shops and retail outlets of telecom companies.

Service centres of mobiles, watches, consumer electronics, like TV, IT-related products, white goods and air coolers, except those in the municipal areas, will be opened.

Government offices, e-commerce (both essential and non-essential) firms, liquor shops will also be opened. The government has also decided to start intra- and inter-district movement of taxis.

Traders and shopkeepers at their shops had a satisfied look on their faces. Most were seen cleaning shops or getting godowns sanitised. However, in some places they didn't open shutters fully.

The traffic on roads was also more. The people were spotted maintaining social distancing and also wearing masks and gloves.

In some areas, like Kokar, Main Road, Upper Bazar and Lalpur, groceries and book stores were opened during the day.

However, shop keepers were also wondering as to when things would get normal.

Till now Jharkhand has witnessed 232 coronavirus cases.