Covid-19: Safety norms go for a toss in city areas

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 25

Even as the second wave of Covid-19 looms large, precautionary norms are being flouted with impunity by the public in the city. At market places and construction sites, hardly any precautions are taken.

A random check across the city reveals that masks are not worn by labourers in many areas. Social distancing too is given a go-by. There is hardly any provision for frequent hand washing or hand sanitisation.

Market places fare no better. “A few customers bother about adhering to the norm of social distancing. What is worse is that at payment counters too, social distancing is conveniently ignored,” said Anuj, a 38-year-old computer expert.

He said: “Today I went for shopping at a store on Ferozepur Road. Though it has at least five payment counters, only one was operational. Customers who had to make payments for their purchases were not maintaining any social distancing.”

Meanwhile, experts are stressing on following safety protocols. Dr Bishav Mohan said the arrival of the second wave of Covid is certain but we can minimise its effect with the cooperation of the public.

He said if people follow the safety protocols, the second wave can also be contained. Mask is the only vaccine to avert the second wave, he said while urging people to wear masks, besides maintaining social distancing and washing/sanitising hands frequently. He also requested people to voluntarily get themselves tested for Covid, if they have any symptoms.

Advising people to dispose of masks of Covid patients after three to five days as the virus remains active for a few days, Dr Rajoo Chinna asked them to tear off the masks before these were disposed of.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma held a meeting with Dr Bishav Mohan and Dr Chinna to discuss the strategy to combat the impending second wave of COVID-19, which had already arrived in Delhi.

Sharma said if residents of the city wear masks and follow safety protocols while stepping out of their houses, it could help in stopping the second wave of the virus.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.