Masses in Ludhiana back to brazenly defying Covid norms

With the night curfew lifted, the revellers are back at their favourite haunts — the Sarabha Nagar main market, Gol Market in Model town, and Dugri market; Sunday lockdown restrictions were rolled back on June 27, while the night curfew was lifted on July 12

Freed of restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the second wave of the novel coronavirus, huge crowds can be seen milling around markets, bus stops and at other public places. Despite experts predicting an imminent third wave, the majority of the residents can be seen forgoing masks and defying social distancing norms.

earing another lockdown, which may cripple their business further, traders and restaurant owners are also asking patrons to follow guidelines to prevent a resurgence in infections. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

After months of restrictions, residents could be seen thronging popular markets, especially those in the old city areas such as Chaura Bazaar, Saban Bazaar, Field Ganj, Karimpura, and Akalgarh Market. Despite the government mandating social distancing at restaurants, it is not being practised at most establishments and gym goers can be spotted working out without masks.

A resident of Field Ganj area Tarandeep Singh says locals have become lax after the number of cases in the district has come down. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

With the night curfew lifted, the revellers are back at their favourite haunts — the Sarabha Nagar main market, Gol Market in Model town, and Dugri market. This has led to an increase in vehicular traffic in the areas at night and late in the evening. Roadside vendors in Ghumar Mandi, Model Town and other areas are also doing a roaring business in the absence of police checks.

Sunday lockdown restrictions had been rolled bacj on June 27, while the night curfew was lifted on July 12 much to the relief of traders, restaurateurs and other businessmen.

Chaura Bazaar Shopkeepers Association general secretary Gurcharan Singh Chann said, “Everybody is aware of the guidelines. People should behave responsibly to keep themselves and others safe.”

A resident of Field Ganj area Tarandeep Singh says locals have become lax after the number of cases in the district has come down.

Despite the government mandating social distancing at restaurants, it is not being practised at most establishments and gym goers can be spotted working out without masks. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

Fearing another lockdown, which may cripple their business further, traders and restaurant owners are also asking patrons to follow guidelines to prevent a resurgence in infections.

Hotel and Restaurant Association president Amarvir Singh says the hospitality sector is reeling under losses since the outbreak and will not be able to survive another lockdown. “Locals should take all the precautions while moving out and about as every sector will be hit if there is another lockdown,” said Singh, adding that hotel owners had been asked not to allow customers without masks to enter their establishments and ensure that their staff is vaccinated.

Amarjit Singh, president of Model Town market association, said, “Residents should keep their guard up and avoid travelling to the hills. The positivity rate is low at the moment and we must do our best to keep it that way.”

Deputy commissioner (DC) Varinder Sharma said, “The administration and police are doing their best to enforce Covid norms and action is being taken against violators. Special vaccination camps have been organised to vaccinate those involved in the hospitality sector. Residents must also behave responsibly. I will also take up the matter with commissioner of police Rakesh Agrawal.”