Most shopkeepers of Ranchi kept their establishments open on Friday, ignoring the state apex trade organisation’s appeal to keep shops closed for three days over the weekend in view of the rapid rise in the number of coronavirus cases.

Several shops stayed open on Main Road. But the wholesale vegetable and fruit hub of Daily Market remained closed in view of the appeal by the Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) issued earlier this week.

Pandra Bazar, the biggest wholesale market of essential items in the region, also remained closed. Businessmen of Mallahtoli section of Main Road, who had kept their shops open, were, however, strict about safety norms and allowed in customers after thermal screening and only if they were wearing masks.

"It's true many shopkeepers kept their shops open. But I would say our appeal evoked a partial response," FJCCI secretary Dheeraj Taneja told The Telegraph Online. He said businessmen in places like Giridih, Deoghar, Pakur, Simdega, Lohardaga and Latehar had kept their shops closed.

"Seeing the worsening Covid situation in the state, we as a responsible trade body, issued an appeal. But since we are not an enforcing agency we can’t force anyone,” he added.

FJCCI president Kunal Ajmani, justifying their appeal. “Around 200 positive cases were reported in Ranchi on Thursday and there is talk about community spread. So, we thought keeping shops closed for three three days would help breaking the chain," he said.