The Maharashtra government on April 20 announced additions to the existing lockdown guidelines, which had been in effect from April 5. While the earlier rules allowed essential services to be open from 7 am – 8 pm, the fresh guidelines stated they will be accessible for walk-ins between 7 am  and 11 am, and may be open for home deliveries until 8 pm. Furthermore, local authorities may change these timings. This system will be in effect until 7 am on May 1. 

According to the order released by the state government, the rule is applicable to all groceries, vegetable shops, fruit vendors, dairies, bakeries, confectionaries, and other food shops including poultry. It also includes shops selling agriculture implements, farm produce and pet food. However, while the lockdown guidelines are being implemented for public safety during the  Covid-19 surge, the fluctuations are taking a toll on city shopkeepers. Some are struggling to keep up with the change, and others are incurring large losses.