Open activities in all sectors, but don’t lower guard

Open House: Is it too early to open all activities to revive economy as Covid cases may surge?

Take all precautions religiously

It is indeed a welcome step that the government and the Administration have agreed to normalise things. ‘Apni Mandis’ have been restored. Schools have also opened. Cinema houses have been allowed to function with full capacity. It is good for the labour class. But we should never forget that the dreaded disease is still there. We must all religiously take precautions.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

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An achievement, but be cautious

Many have lost their livelihood during the pandemic. Economic activity have slowed down in almost all sectors. Although with hard work and sincere efforts we are on path to recovery, yet there is no reason to lower the vigil. Genetic mutation of the coronavirus is a cause of concern. We need to be extra cautious while things get back to new normal.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

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Ignoring precautions is a risky affair

The government has now allowed full activities in public places. Is this good step? No medical authority can claim that coronavirus has vanished completely. People who have developed immunity must not mistake it for total safety from the virus. The authorities have to choose between reviving economy or to save lives. Ignoring all precautions will be risky.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Chandigarh

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Don’t take hasty decisions

Nothing is more important than life. I don’t understand why the cap on the numbers of persons in functions has been removed. Isn’t this ridiculous. Ask families, which bore the brunt of Covid-19. Infection can spread from schools, cinema halls and marriage palaces. The authorities should not take hasty decision.

Opinder Sekhon, Chandigarh

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Lifting curbs is not advisable

No doubt, with strict and timely lockdown the authorities managed to fight Covid-19 pandemic. Results show that even with limited sources and capabilities, the spread of virus can be controlled. However, on the pretext of earlier revival of economy, it will be ill advised to lift curbs and take things easy when it comes to pandemic. Danger of virus still lurks everywhere.

Deepak, Chandigarh

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The show must go on

As the threat of coronavirus has not subsided, the authorities should allow all activities. Officials concerned should conduct surprise checks at public places to ensure following of norms. The show must go on in the interest of common man as well as the government as restrictions on activities will bring more miseries.

KC Rana, Chandigarh

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Don’t throw caution to the winds

There is no denying the fact that everyone wants to lead a normal life after spending almost 10 months in traumatic conditions. The government has taken a right decision to give boost to the economy by lifting curbs. The onus to protect ourselves from the virus lies on us.

SC Luthra, Chandigarh

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The battle is not over yet

Nowadays, coronavirus cases are on a steady decline giving us hope that the pandemic may be on its last leg. The next mission is to vaccinate enough people to stem the spread of the deadly virus, which will take months. Till then, measures such as mask wearing, maintaining social distance and prohibiting large gatherings will have to remain in force.

Anureet Dhami, Zirakpur

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Utmost vigil is the need of the hour

For sure it is necessary to reopen all activities to bring the economy on the track. We must follow SOPs in letter and in spirit. Businesses cannot be closed for long. The people must understand that allowing activities is just to boost economy. Any lapse on their part with regard to the safety norms will prove catastrophic. Therefore, utmost vigil is the need of the hour.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Chandigarh

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Curse of Coronavirus still not gone

It is blessing for our country that Covid cases have reduced substantially. The government has taken right step at this point of time for reviving economy by allowing activities in all sectors. Now, it becomes the duty of the people to take safety measure. This curse of coronavirus has still not lifted. The UT police must strictly ensure that everyone follows safety guidelines.

Moti Bhateja, Chandigarh

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Too early to start activities

It’s too early to start all activities as this may lead to a surge in Covid cases. The new virus strain has surfaced in western countries, but the authorities instead of learning from it have opened all sectors. Teachers and students can contract virus easily. Schools, colleges and universities should offer online education. The proverb “Prevention is better than cure” should be followed.

Adish Sood, Amloh

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Welcome decision for revival of business

Waiving off 100% restrictions on use of all facilities is a welcome step of the Chandigarh Administration. This will help in revival of the businesses. Besides, the decision will create more employment opportunities and would help to bring back the shattered economy on the track. People must not be complacent about the declining trend of the Covid-19 cases.

Hardeep Singh Sulach, Mohali

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‘Jaan hai to jahan hai’ apt for the situation

No doubt that to bring economy back on the track markets should be allowed to open. But the respective Administrations of the tricity must agree that Covid-19 days are not over yet. In functions social distancing is not maintained while only few wear masks. Bringing economy back on the track should not mean putting residents at risk. Let’s not forget ‘Jaan hai to jahan hai’.

Balbir Singh Batra, Mohali

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Fear of virus looms large

Lifting restrictions gradually is heartening as well as welcoming to bring the battered economy back on the track. But people must understand that the fear of virus still looms large. So, don’t let the guard down. To combat virus, we need to adhere to simple precautions like wearing mask, hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places and maintaining social distance.

Veena Mahajan, Chandigarh

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Financial condition will improve

This decision of the UT authorities to open all activities is a brave attempt to kickstart the economy. An essential boost to the economy is needed. How long one can wait. It is imperative for the people to adhere to SOPs. The objective of this move is to improve financial condition of the people.

Vidya Sagar Garg, Chandigarh

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Ease restrictions gradually

Public gatherings and social functions significantly increase the risk of spreading Covid-19. Obviously, we should seriously consider postponing or reducing mass gathering. Celebrations like weddings, festivals and parades must be limited or put-on hold. Restrictions which helped in suppressing the spread of the virus should be eased gradually.

Anita Tandon, Kharar

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Only hospitality sector should open

The government has allowed all activities. Classes should not have resumed for kids as they are not able to understand Covid or take precautions. The government should allow only hospitality sector to open as other industry is already working at almost full swing.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

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Consider threat perception

Opening of all sectors with maximum human congestion by the government to bring the economy back on the track is a step in right direction. But the coronavirus has not been completely eradicated. Still cases of virus infection are surfacing. Open establishments on the basis of threat perception.

Wg Cdr Jasbir Minhas (retd), Mohali

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Right decision to restore normalcy

Its already over a year since pandemic engulfed everyone’s life. Many lost jobs, businesses were shut, children were deprived of education and some struggled hard to earn livelihood. Masses have learnt to live with Covid by accepting and following protocols. To bring the life back to normal, for the survival of humans and for nation’s economy, it’s right decision to open every sector.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

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Elderly, patients must take extra care

Although the number of Covid cases are continuously declining, yet it’s too early to declare that danger has ended. Resumption of all activities was necessary to avoid further deterioration of economic condition. The vaccine drive has strengthened our hope to fight the Covid infection. Old and patients suffering with chronic diseases still need to be extra careful.

Surinder Paul Wadhwa, Mohali

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Economy cannot be in the doldrums

There is no denying that amid steep decline in Covid-19 cases in the tricity and elsewhere in the country, the dispensation has lifted embargo on activities. The dispensation as also the public have to bear in mind that the hard-hit economy cannot be allowed to remain in doldrums indefinitely. There is no point in delaying or deferring efforts to reboot the economy of the country.

Ramesh K Dhiman, Chandigarh

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Start activities, but with precautions

Slowly and steadily, lives and livelihoods are limping back to the status quo ante. SOPs are devised for restoration of public activities without hosting the deadly virus. Wide awareness, education and strict enforcement of precautions and preventions are the sine qua non for opening public activities. The caveat ‘davaee bhi, karhaee bhi’ holds good in such situation.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

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Onus lies on citizens

Although allowing activities to bring the economy back on the track is a good move, yet it comes at price. As the authorities have removed the limit on the number of persons attending social events, it’s duty of citizens to ensure that they follow norms. The latest SOPs and preventive measures must be strictly observed so that the economic growth doesn’t come at the cost of citizens health.

Simran Sidhu, Chandigarh

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Economy must open up

Economy must open for further growth of the country and individual. Thousands of domestic workers are now struggling to make both ends meet. With so many unemployed competing for jobs these workers are likely to have even less bargaining power in the labour market after the pandemic. If we refer to the recent measures announced by the government these are only for short term and may not deliver the desired results.

SC Dhall, Zirakpur

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No option except opening businesses

India has no option except to open up the economy. It will take time to restore normalcy in the services sector. The longer the lockdown the greater is the impact on livelihoods. That, in turn necessitates financial support for vulnerable households and susceptible businesses.

Sanket Dhall, Chandigarh

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QUESTION

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has made tall claims about stray dog sterilisation. Still, there is a rise in the canine population and stray dog-bite cases in the UT. What needs to be done to deal with the issue?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to [email protected]