E-commerce firms can now deliver non essentials to all zones except containment zones

Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal and others will be allowed to commence the delivery of gadgets in all the zones.

Union Home Ministry on Sunday announced that all shops, except those in containment zones and malls, will be allowed to open from Monday. (Pixabay)

Issuing fresh guidelines for the extended period of the lockdown till May 31, the Union Home Ministry on Sunday announced that e-commerce websites will be allowed to commence the delivery of non-essential items to all the zones in India. This means everything from smartphones to accessories and other electronic products will be delivered to homes. However, the containment zones within Red zones won't get such services.

Although Flipkart and Amazon are yet to give a statement, Snapdeal has confirmed that it will start online delivery in all the zones.

“We welcome the guidelines announced by the MHA, which pave the way for a broader resumption of economic activities across most parts of India,” said the firm. 

“At Snapdeal, we are ready and equipped to now start serving customers all across India - in red, green and orange zones - by providing them access to the entire selection of millions of products. This is also the moment that will enable lakhs of medium and small online sellers to start rebuilding their businesses as they serve the needs of users in cities and towns across India,” added the Snapdeal spokesperson.

It is worth adding that delivery of essential goods by e-commerce companies was already allowed but in Green and Orange zones only.

Besides this, the take-away and online food delivery services by restaurants will also commence operations in all the zones.

Barber shops, salons and spas will also start functioning in non-prohibited localities while , as per the Home Ministry.

Local authorities will have to ensure that shops and markets open with staggered timings and follow social distancing norms.

All shops shall have to ensure six feet distance between customers and will not allow more than five persons at a time in their premises.

Written with inputs from PTI.