COVID Norms Thrown To Winds In Bhubaneswar Markets

Bhubaneswar: Coronavirus guidelines were once again thrown to the wind with vegetable markets in Capital city witnessing overcrowding for Raja festival shopping.

Despite the appeals by Commissionerate Police not to crowd markets, the daily markets in the capital here were crowded with people thronging the roadside kiosks to purchase vegetables after the weekend shutdown.

As the Raja celebration began on Monday, crowds were witnessed in market places as customers made a beeline to purchase favourite items.

Mayadhar, a resident of Unit VI area said’ the markets present a fearful look due to overcrowding. People seem to be belittling the impact of deadly coronavirus. They do not use masks nor maintain social distancing. Perhaps they are sure that COVID is gone’.

Ramachandra Mohanty, a senior citizen of Old Town area here said he prefers to buy his needs from roadside kiosks than visiting the main markets.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Umashankar Das said, the situation will improve only if the people abide by the government norms on COVID-19.

Commissionerate Police have undertaken special drive to enforce the guidelines, he added.