Mixed response from residents

Chandigarh, March 28

The decision of the UT Administration to open shops supplying essential commodities from 10 am to 6pm has evoked mixed response from the public. While the Administration earned appreciation for the decision from various quarters, it also received brickbats from people who believed that relaxing curfew would only increase Covid-19 cases. To avoid congestion in markets, vehicles are not permitted. The residents will have to come on foot to purchase goods from these markets

Opposing the decision, Prof JS Thakur, president, Faculty Association, PGIMER, said: “This will defeat the purpose of social distancing and quarantine. It will be impossible to maintain social distancing when the shops are open. The medical fraternity is struggling to ensure steps to contain the spread of the virus, arrange personal protective equipment for the health care staff, arrange special wards/ICUs for the impending epidemic. The only way to contain this virus is by prevention.”

“Opening of some shops from 10 am to 6 pm was intended to help people meet their immediate needs of foodstuff etc. However, I am getting numerous calls questioning desirability of the move. The Administration may please revisit the matter,” Tweets Pawan Kumar Bansal, former Congress minister.

In another tweet, Anas Saifi said: “Similar steps were followed in the China province of Hubei to contain the spread of Covid. No vehicle movement was allowed there and only one person was allowed for buying essential commodities from each household in three days.”

Ajay Sharma, a resident of Sector 19, said the decision of the Administration was appreciable, as it would put an end to hoarding of essential commodities by residents.

Aditi Arora, a housewife, said it was a good decision as it would end panic buying, people must maintain social distancing while shopping.

Hailing the decision, Amandeep Singh, who works at a private firm, said the Administration was making efforts to address the grievances of the residents, but they must take precautions and follow the guidelines of the government to prevent the spread of the virus.