Rs 500 fine no deterrent, Covid norms flouted with impunity

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 23

Despite a fine of Rs 500 for not wearing masks in public, Covid protocols were openly flouted in public places across Haryana a day after Health Minister Anil Vij told DCs and SPs to ensure strictness.

Gurugram: Despite recording 650 Covid cases a day, on an average, for the last 15 days, the authorities were struggling with rampant violations. From callousness in wearing masks to absence of social distancing, protocols were being ignored in the district.

The health authorities had identified 20 key areas where the threat was worrisome due to crowding. The top areas are Sadar Bazaar, Khandsa Mandi, sector markets and Rajiv Nagar.

Panipat: Despite cases rising in Panipat and Sonepat districts, people were not following Covid protocols. People in Panipat markets — Insaar market, Salarganj market, Chaura Bazar, SD handloom market and Gur Mandi — were roaming without masks.

The situation was the same in Sonepat markets — Kachey Quarter, Geeta Bhawan Chowk market and Bada Bazaar — and other public places. People were not following Covid norms.

Hisar: Covid guidelines were being violated, especially in political and private functions. Deputy Speaker Ranbir Gangwa had been holding public meetings across the district to mobilise supporters for the November 29 public event.

Photographs released by the district administration showed hardly any person in a mask at the meetings. In another violation, the municipal corporation organised a janata bazar and musical nite at the old college ground. Mayor Gautam Sardana inaugurated this event.

Karnal: People in various markets, particularly Karan Gate, Railway road, Kunjpura road, Mughal Canal and Model Town markets, and commercial complexes were not maintaining social distancing. Several people were seen without masks and not maintaining distancing norms.

Faridabad: Violation of protocols was a major reason behind the sharp spike in cases and deaths, according to health officials. Admitting that more than 50 per cent people were still not wearing masks in public places, a district official said the police had been asked to issue challans.

Ambala: At the cloth market in Ambala City and Sadar Bazaar in Ambala Cantonment, social distancing was being ignored though a majority of people wore masks.

Jhajjar: Social distancing was not being maintained by people at the main markets in Bahadurgarh and Jhajjar though more than 75 per cent of the people wore masks.