Jalandhar malls defy guidelines, remain open

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 18

A day after the state government ordered closure of shopping malls in view of the Covid threat, all major malls and shopping marts here are still open. The malls saw a huge rush on Wednesday.

One reason for the heavy rush is that people have started resorted to panic buying, apprehending that grocery stores would be shut next.

Saroj, a local resident buying groceries at a mall, said, “I am buying groceries in case the government closes shops selling essential items. I think Covid threat has not attained serious proportion in Punjab as compared with other states.” When asked the reason for not wearing a mask, she said: “As per health experts, masks are not going to be of any help. I am using a sanitiser regularly. The situation is bad in Italy, but not in India.”

The Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), meanwhile, began infra-red screening of patients and attendants on Wednesday.

A special team has been deputed at the entrance to screen all visitors.

The city has already reported more than 15 patients suspected to be infected with Covid. The PIMS authorities said the medical and travel history of patients were being checked. They have readied a 10-bed isolation ward in case of an emergency.

Amit Singh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PIMS, said, “We are prepared. There are enough masks and sanitisers.”

Notwithstanding the guidelines to close medical institutions across the state, the PIMS continues to hold classes. To this, the CEO said, “None of the medical institutes affiliated to the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences have been closed. Thedirections are only for private medical colleges.”