Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Apr 10 (KINS): Despite Jammu and Kashmir witnessing huge surge in COVID-19 cases for the last one week, people are flouting social distancing norms and mask rules.
Though the authorities have announced that social distancing and wearing masks are mandatory in all public places. However, there is no adherence of these orders.
Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday reported 1005 new positive cases taking tally to 137475 and number is increasing with each passing day.
Experts have also sounded alarm over further increase of positives and would threaten the lives of people.
“This is pathetic to see such a large number of people shopping. Some are even not wearing masks. I came out to purchase medicines for my ailing father but no social distance norms are being followed,” Mohmmad Aslam, a resident of Jawharnagar.
Customers were seen moving from one shop to another without following the social distancing norms on Wednesday.
Most of the shops were over-crowded here in Srinagar.
“This is scary to walk through markets. Government eased out restrictions but people are thronging markets unnecessarily,” said Saba Jan, a resident of Doda.
“People are thronging markets without following norms which is a matter of grave concern,” said a shopkeeper at Jewel Chowk Jammu.
He said it was important to underline the importance of strictly following the COVID protocols.
Some shopkeepers have arranged sanitisers so that customers would disinfect their hands before purchasing.
People also could be seen on the streets or on Boulevard along the banks of Dal Lake without wearing masks or maintaining social distance.
This is despite authorities having announced that wearing masks was mandatory in all public places.
“Look vendors are selling barbecues and fried fish on the banks of Dal Lake. Neither these sellers nor customers are wearing masks. I do wear a mask to protect myself but it won’t make any difference as less than 10 percent of people are wearing masks,” Imran Ahmad, a resident of Nishat.
He said the government should take strict measures to ensure people wear masks. “If wearing a mask has been made mandatory they are why law enforcing agencies are not implementing these guidelines. Why don’t they fine those who are not following COVID guidelines,” he asked.
The government advisory has exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary.(KINS)
Surge in covid- 19 cases in JK: People continue to flout social distancing norms, mask rule
