More flexibility for Surat diamond, textile markets but with conditions

Textile markets and diamond units in Gujarat's Surat have been allowed greater flexibility to operate from Saturday on the condition that they will adhere to a set of norms that include mandatory Covid-19 tests for traders and staff, officials said.

Restrictions were imposed on the functioning of the two sectors last month as Surat witnessed a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks.

As on Friday, Surat has 13,663 coronavirus positive cases.

"As per the SOP till July 31 declared by Surat Municipal Commissioner BN Pani, diamond units in Mahidharpura, Mini Bazar and Choksi Bazar localities could