Locals flout social distancing norms outside chemist shops

Sameer Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 4

It seems that city residents have not taken social distancing norms seriously. Scores of residents can be seen standing outside chemist shops in clusters in different parts of the city these days.

While showing scant regard for social distancing, the residents not only make themselves but others vulnerable to the transmission of Covid.

Last week when the curfew was imposed, residents faced difficulties in getting medicines as chemist shops were closed. Thereafter, chemists and residents had demanded a time slot for opening shops in the city. Following which the district administration had allowed opening of retail chemist shops from 5 am to 7 am and wholesale shops from 7 am to 9 am.

A senior official of the Health Department said the decision to open chemist shops during a time slot was taken for the convenience of city residents. But it seems the decision had not helped the administration as a large number of people could be seen standing in clusters outside chemist shops in Mall Road area and Hospital Bazaar.

The official said the entire purpose of curfew restrictions would be defeated if people continued to ignore social distancing norms at public places.

“The number of Covid cases has been increasing in the country as well as in the state. If proper precautionary measures are not taken or followed, the situation can be worse in the coming days. Therefore, we exhort people to exercise some sense of responsibility and avoid coming out of their homes. If there is any emergency, they must ensure social distancing,” he added.

Drug Inspector Ramandeep Gupta said, “The issue of has come to our notice and clusters of people were seen standing outside chemist shops in Hospital Bazaar. There are a number of chemist shops in the area and people from almost all parts of the city come there to purchase medicines, resulting in chaos. We will issue directions to the chemist shop owners to ensure that people maintain proper distance while buying medicines. We will ask them to ensure proper marking or buyers.”