Dhenkanal: All hell seems to have broken loose in otherwise quiet Dhenkanal town. With lockdown norms eased after June 8, a mad rush has taken over streets and bazaars as minimum guidelines in public places get a chaotic burial.
The markets, which wore a deserted look a few days back, are now packed with hundreds of vehicles. After the district administration announced that the markets will remain opened till 6 pm, the bazaar area from Ganesh Bazaar to Baji Chowk witnessed a sudden surge of crowd.
Even as the corona positive cases have reached 39 in the district, the people care a hoot to the government advisory on social distancing and face mask. Everybody seems to be in an urgency to buy something or the other from the markets.
It has led to cause serious concern among some conscious and aware people. Pratikshya Sahoo, an employee at the Muthoot Finance said, ” I am shocked after seeing people jostling for space at many shops after the relaxation was announced. Even many people were found not wearing the masks. The government should take tough action against such COVID-19 offenders.”
These people do not understand that they are not only jeopardizing their lives but also putting others’ lives in peril, she said.
With no vaccine against COVID-19 in sight and the coronavirus continuing to spread its tentacles all over the country, the people should behave in a responsible and disciplined manner, said a regular shopper.