The second wave: Migrant crisis looms again as Covid-19 curbs expand

Lack of business to hit payouts, pushing people out of jobs and cities

The closure of non-essential retail establishments, including malls, multiplexes, auto dealerships, and eateries in Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra, could trigger a reverse migration of workers from the state for the second year in a row, industry bodies and top executives have told Business Standard.

Delhi announced a night curfew on Tuesday, hitting businesses in the crucial evening hours for bars, restaurants, and pubs.

“Seventy per cent of the business comes in the evening in both Mumbai and Delhi for restaurants. In Mumbai, non-essential retail has been barred for a month. In Delhi, night curfew begins at 10 pm.