businessUpdated: Jun 01, 2020 08:10 ISTCompanies in India will need at least three to six months to return to pre-Covid levels of business activity, industry executives said, as weak demand, scarce labour, and differing local rules cast a cloud over the reopening of the economy. In the first phase beginning June 8, hotels, restaurants and hospitality services will reopen, along with shopping malls and places of worship. On Sunday, the Maharashtra government announced it would implement the Centre’s guidelines in easing the lockdown, except in containment zones. The Retailers Association of India (RAI) welcomed the lifting of the lockdown, and reopening of malls and other retail categories. “But it will take at least another six months to return to pre-lockdown operating levels of 70-75% capacity.”Malyaban Ghosh contributed to this story.

Source: Hindustan Times June 01, 2020 02:41 UTC