Covid SOPs go for a toss in fest shopping
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 09 2020:
Even as the four markets of Khwairamband Keithel are closed, its peripheral areas have been turned into markets which are messy enough with huge crowds thronging from all directions in the recent days violating all the SOPs and other safety guidelines issued in the wake of COVID-19 .
The crowd and traffic has been growing each passing day as the festivals, specially Ningol Chakkouba and other impending festivities, are drawing near.
This reporter, during a visit to the keithel, witnessed booming sale of utensils; electronic household appliances such as refrigerators, sewing machines, TVs etc; furniture items, clothings; disposable plastic items and essential food stuffs.
However, it was found that SOPs issued by the Government, despite heightened awareness campaigns, were found to be rarely followed.
Though almost all of the shoppers came with face masks, many copuld be seen not wearing the mask in the prescribed manner.
Beside improper use of face masks, maintenance of physical distance in front of the shops was hardly seen.
As a precautionary measure, City police was seen restricting entry of commuters and buyers from the southern and the eastern points of the two Ima Keithels and vehicles being brought by the shoppers were let to park on the road sides.
However, there were regular efforts on the police side to enforce the SOPs and to control the traffic and buyers.
These might have also resulted in the growing carelessness of the shoppers.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, a woman said that she was out to buy stuff for a marriage ceremony in advance as she felt that it was uncertain when the lockdown will be reimposed.
She also lamented the skyrocketting of prices of various commodities on the pretext of disconnection of National Highways due to recent landslide in Senapati and snapping of Irang bridge.
The Government should conduct regular inspection to help alleviate the inconveniences faced by the buyers, she continued.