Kovai shop sells bread on trust, unmanned counter supports social distancing

Even as the shop has been closed due to the ongoing nationwide lockdown, the shop has left a small counter with a tray with freshly baked bread in a neatly arranged manner on a glass shielded table.

A paper stuck in front has a mention of the price of loaves of bread and also asks the customers to drop the money in a small box kept nearby on the table. This novel idea hit upon Vignesh, who runs Nellai Muthu Vilas and Sweets in Rathinapuri, following restrictions in opening shops which might be a huge reason for transmission of the pandemic virus.

“Following the lockdown, many bakeries were closed. People, especially those who are ill, were finding it difficult to get breads and other essential items. So I decided to sell breads, but by adhering to lockdown rules of not opening the shop. Many local residents come, pick up the bread and drop the money in the box. With no shop keeper around, the concept of social distancing is also practised,” he said.

“Not a single loaf of bread or money has gone missing ever since we began selling like this over the last five days. Our honesty shop remains open day and night. I am overwhelmed by the honesty of my customers and have now decided to even keep essential commodities for sale in a similar fashion,” he added.

The video of shop has gone viral in social media with public wholeheartedly appreciating the noble initative of the shop keeper at this time of crisis.