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The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has said increase in Covid cases along with imposition of various restrictions by different states have had an adverse impact on business and economic activities across the country. CAIT mentioned the situation has led business of various verticals of goods to go down by an average of 45 per cent in the last 10 days.

Moreover, it expects a major business decline during the wedding season. it said  during the wedding season, which will start on the day of Makar Sankranti on January 14 and go on for two-and-a-half months, business of about Rs 4 lakh crore was expected. It added ‘But due to the various restrictions imposed by the state governments across the country, a steep drop is seen in the business of nearly about 75 per cent.’ It stated ‘Now it is estimated that in the next two-and-a-half months, there is a possibility of about Rs 1.25 lakh crore only in this business vertical.’

It also urged the Central government and the chief ministers to take all possible steps to prevent further Covid spread. Besides, it cited the double whammy of lower intra-regional trade due to the restrictions and subdued local buyers' sentiments. The main reason for this decline is the panic among the people due to the third wave of Corona.