Business as usual at markets amid Covid surge in Ludhiana

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 18

Though the weekend lockdown has been imposed in the district, a huge rush was witnessed at various Sunday bazaars in the city, posing high risk amid rising Covid-19 cases in the district.

Shoppers without masks carelessly walking along lanes jostling with each other to strike the best deal was a common sight at these bazaars. All the covid protocols are being flouted with impunity.

The Sunday bazaar at Chaura Bazaar and near Clock Tower are famous in the city, especially among the migrant population. Today, people were seen shopping without following any covid protocols at Sunday bazaars held at Sherpur, near Clock Tower and Chaura Bazaar.

Not only elders but also children were seen shopping, posing them risk of the virus amid huge rush. The Sunday market at Chaura Bazaar was filled with a big crowd as usual and most of the people were without mask.

Those coming on auto-rickshaws and sans masks were tested by mobile teams of the Health Department. A member of the mobile team said the district administration was telling people to wear mask and maintain social distancing but to no avail.

“Now, we are left with no other choice but to test those found without mask to check that they were not silent carriers of the disease,” she said.

A vendor at Clock Tower said nobody really cares about the Covid protocols, especially the migrants.

“I set up a vend every Sunday as it is my work and I have to do this. I keep telling people to maintain social distance and not to rush but they do not listen. A few people who come on their own conveyance wear mask due to fear of challan,” he said.

“Everyone should wear mask, wash hands frequently and maintain social distancing. It has been observed that people have become careless regarding Covid. Time and again we are requesting people to follow guidelines issued by the state government. Precautions and awareness are the only key to fight the disease. We can overcome the spread of the virus only if the public follow all necessary precautions,” said Civil Surgeon Sukhjeevan Kakkar.

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