Shopkeepers pay no heed to Covid norms in Patiala

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 11

Despite a massive spike of 96 fresh Covid-19 cases in a single day between Sunday and Monday, residents and shopkeepers continue to flout curfew norms without any fear. Shops, restaurants, bars and wine shops remained open and attended customers well-beyond the 9 pm limit last night.

The Tribune team, during a drive around the city after 9 pm on Monday, witnessed that shops were freely selling items to customers. While the area near the Kotwali police station saw residents flouting social-distancing norm, several shops near Gurbaksh Colony and Guru Nanak Nagar remained open till 10 pm. Other areas where market was abuzz included Anardana Chowk, Darshani gate area, Sirhindi Bazaar, Lahori Gate and the city bus stand among others. Police patrolling in the areas was negligible despite strict orders from the district administration.

Some shopkeepers in the city also alleged that a few shops are given a free hand to remain open even after 9 pm.

Several eateries and wine shops continued to function with half the shutter pulled down.

Yogesh Sharma, DSP, City 1, said the police had been facing a number of issues in managing the containment zones, but review meetings were being held and changes would be enforced. “Recently, the number of containment zones and micro-containment zones in the city have increased. We have depute over 100 police personnel in such areas. Also, a special commando force comprising around 70 personnel was shifted back from the deployment area.”

He said cops have also been deputed at protest and dharna sites organised by political parties and others. “Action will be taken against all those who flout the norms,” the DSP said.