Amritsar residents lower guard as Covid restrictions eased

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 11

After the district administration gradually lifted Covid-19 related restrictions in the district, residents seem to have lower their guard.

What to talk of non-compliance of Covid guidelines in markets, masses gathered at Amritsar-1 tehsil and Amritsar-2 tehsil hardly cared to practise social distancing.

Following the pressure of security guards, most people were seen wearing face masks, but were found seating without maintaining any distance. Thus, increasing the risk of contracting the virus manifold at the tehsil. Slow server was another spoilsport, which hampered smooth flow of work. Similar scenes were witnessed in markets throughout the city. People sitting and standing in close proximity of each other in corridors and showrooms was a common sight.

Shopping areas, including Katra Jai Mal Singh, Guru Bazaar, Mai Sewan Da Bazaar, Majith Mandi, Lawrence Road and Ranjit Avenue witnessed huge rush. However, shoppers did not give two hoots about Covid norms.

Moreover, the norm of carrying sanitisers and even placing them at the entrance of outlets was hardly followed in true spirit.

Parminder Singh, a grocery store owner, said sale of disinfectants has dipped sharply. “Demand for face masks is there, but hardly anybody asks for disinfectant,” he said.

Even the norm of wearing mask has been thrown to the wind due to soaring temperature and heatwave. A large number of people in markets were seen purchasing and commuting without wearing masks. Most complained of heatwave and breathing issues while putting on the masks.

Six succumb, 103 test positive in district

With six more Covid-19 related deaths in the district on Friday, the toll has increased to 1,526. The health authorities reported 103 new cases today. With this, the total count of positive cases has reached 45,993.The new cases include 58 influenza-like-illness cases and 45 contacts of positive patients. The Health Department reported recovery of 122 patients with which the recovery count increased to 42,687. At present, the district has a total of 1,780 active cases. Meanwhile, one death and 23 positive cases were reported in Tarn Taran district.

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