Tirupur Exporters’ Association has heaved a sigh of relief as the district administration allowed units in the city to resume operations, though by strictly adhering to the safety guidelines.

The association had written to Central and state governments seeking reopening of the textile hub, so that they can send samples to clients in the US and Europe and retain export orders for spring-summer collection. Else, they could have lost the orders to countries like China, Bangladesh and Pakistan, where factories were functional. The relaxation has brought relief to the sector.

In the first phase, at least 600-700 export units will resume operations with at least 25 per cent of the workforce. TEA president has assured that the units will follow all sanitation measures and also main social distancing.