Mask being worn on the chin, restrictions not taken seriously

Aurangabad, March 17:

The district is under a partial lockdown from March 11 to April 4. Meanwhile, a complete lockdown has been announced on Saturday and Sunday, with strict restrictions. However, negligence is being shown by the citizens. Citizens put on the mask only when the police or municipal squads are present. A reality check shows that restrictions are not being taken seriously by citizens.

The number of corona patients has been increasing rapidly. On the other hand, many people are seen wearing a mask on their chin not covering their nose and mouth. Some are seen wearing their masks properly but lower their mask while talking. Such a picture is widely seen in Aurangpura and Gulmandi markets. Many shopkeepers in the Paithangate area are also seen interacting with customers without wearing masks. The crowds in the main markets have not yet subsided despite the restrictions. Dining facilities at hotels and restaurants have been closed since Wednesday. Large hotels, restaurants will only have parcel facilities, the local administration has announced. However, it was seen on Wednesday afternoon that several hotels were open in the Nirala Bazar area.

Warning of punitive action

A joint inspection was conducted by the district collector, municipal administrator, ZP chief executive officer and commissioner of police for public awareness of corona. Hotels, traders and shopkeepers violating the rules have been fined Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 and have been warned of strict action if they do not comply. Seven teams have been deployed in different parts of the city for public awareness and free masks are being distributed to rickshaw drivers and citizens without masks. Punitive action is also being taken by civic officials and police.

On the ground situation:

Theatres

According to the managers, four shows of the morning session of the cinema hall in Aurangpur were cancelled due to lack of spectators, while the last show is between 5 pm. More than 20 spectators had come in the afternoon. Corona preventive measures were being followed in the cinema hall. However, managers say that attendance is now less than five per cent.

Wedding ceremony

Due to the restrictions till April 5, marriage ceremonies were not allowed and other functions were not held. Instead, the organizers are planning further dates.

Funeral

Only five to seven relatives of a deceased were present at the funeral procession at Pupshanagari cemetery. Masks, sanitisers are used by relatives and social distancing is maintained, said Govind Gaikwad.

Offices

Employees at Zilla Parishad, GMCH, Deputy registrar's office were seen using masks and sanitisers. However, the use of masks is avoided by visitors and relatives of patients. Many have masks on their chins. Security guards, staff were telling them to put on masks in the GMCH