E-Paper
Punekars stop masking up as Covid cases dip
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) team has not been taking strict action against people who do not follow the mask rule
PUNE As the Covid positive cases in the city have drastically gone down in last few weeks, masking yup has gone for a toss. Residents are seen sans the mask even in crowded areas like markets, bus stands or even at political rallies. The daily Covid positive count has gone below 100 in the last few weeks and due to vaccination, fear of getting infected is not there.
Sagar Abnawe a citizen said, “I had forgotten my mask now and I am fully vaccinated. The Covid impact is negligible. Hence, I avoid to wear a mask now as it is summer and causes suffocation.”
Another citizen Rutuja Khamake said, “I often go to Mandai vegetable market to buy vegetables and from last few days I have seen large number of people without masks. Though the numbers have gone down, we still need to follow the Covid measures for our own safety. Till the government officially declares to end of pandemic or give ease to the mask rule, we must follow all protocols strictly.”
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) team has not been taking strict action against people who do not follow the mask rule. As all the schools, colleges and offices are now fully functional with full capacity there is heavy rush on city roads now. “It is necessary to wear face mask, maintain social distancing and follow all the Covid rules strictly. There is no relaxations given by state or central government in this regard till now,” said PMC commissioner Vikram Kumar.
Growing demand for booster doses
There is an increasing demand by people to use the vaccination doses which are about to expire, as booster dose for 18+ age group. “Covid cases around the world are rising again. Lakhs of doses will expire soon. The central govt needs to allow precaution doses to those who need to travel overseas and to others who would like to avail of the same.” said Sudhir Mehta, president of MCCIA Pune.
