No lessons learnt, Ludhiana residents still roam without masks

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 14

Though cases of Covid-19 are rapidly increasing in the district, many persons are usually seen without wearing masks. Even social distancing is being ignored in markets and other public places.

Several visitors at markets, vendors and shopkeepers are commonly seen either without mask or hanging their masks on their necks instead of wearing it in a proper manner. Various political parties and organisations are openly holding protests while ignoring the guidelines regarding Covid-19. Mostly protesters don’t wear masks and fail to ensure social distancing during the pandemic.

During recent meetings, some politicians as well as officials were also seen wearing their masks in an improper manner. Social distancing was also being ignored during such events. A number of visitors in parks are also seen roaming in groups without masks in morning and evening.

“How many complaints we can make and how many challans the authorities concerned can issue? People should understand their responsibilities and ensure that they wear masks and maintain social distancing when they go out of their homes,” said a member of a park management committee in the city.

Dr Surinder Gupta from Diabetes Free World said: “A large number of people are still seen roaming without wearing masks when the cases are rapidly increasing. Many people wear their masks around their neck or chin. When the mask is worn below the nose, chances of catching the infection remains high as the person can also inhale particles from the outside layer of the mask. Everyone should wear the mask properly and maintain social distancing.”

“The authorities concerned should ensure implementation of rules to prevent the spread of the virus. Surprise checking should be done at sabzi mandis, markets and public places in routine,” he said.

Talwinder Singh, a resident, said: “Whenever, I step out of my house, I always wear mask in a proper manner. However, many people don’t follow the instructions to prevent the spread of the virus. I have seen a number of vendors selling fruits and vegetables while wearing their mask around their neck. The vendors and shopkeepers should be strictly asked to wear masks and ensure social distancing.”

A former councillor, Inder Aggarwal, said: “Not only the administration, all people should understand their moral responsibilities and follow the instructions to stop the spread of Covid. People should wear mask properly, maintain social distancing and ensure sanitisation of hands. More awareness in this regard should be conducted. The government should also increase the rate of testing and more private hospitals should be told to start providing treatment to infected patients.”

As per directions of the state government, any person who will be found without mask or not maintaining social distancing can be fined.