People rush to markets as Hry govt eases restrictions in lockdown phase 3

With the Haryana government easing some restrictions in the third phase of the coronavirus-forced lockdown, people rushed to the markets on Monday posing a challenge for the authorities to maintain social distancing.

Barring in containment zones, many shops have been allowed to open in green and orange zones during the day in pursuance of the Union Home Ministry guidelines. However, the state government is yet to decide on allowing the opening of liquor vends in the state.

Those with high load of COVID-19 cases or which have a high growth rate of the disease are marked as hotspots or red zones, while those with considerably fewer cases of the respiratory infection fall in orange zone or non-hotspots. Districts with no COVID-19 cases are categorised as green zones.

According to officials, the government has directed deputy commissioners to take a decision on whether to allow opening shops according to odd-even formula or on alternate days to avoid large gathering of people.

In Hisar, shops in main markets such as Rajguru Market, Nagori Gate, Moti Bazar, Talaki Gate, Bazar Vakila were open. Many people wore masks while others covered their face with a cloth.

Bhiwani's Circular Road witnessed a long queue outside a bank. An elderly man in the queue complained that social distancing was not being maintained.

"Maintaining social distancing is not something which has to be enforced by authorities. We should now make it a habit and part of our routine, at least till the time there is a definite cure to coronavirus," he said.

In Kaithal, it was decided that odd-even formula would be followed to avoid crowding in market places On Monday, shops with odd numbers were open.

At some places, saloons, shops selling stationery items and clothes were also open. Police were deployed in large numbers to ensure crowding does not occur.

On relaxations for different zones and reports of rush in markets at some places, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said, "People should maintain social distancing and wear masks. They should not wait for policeman to enforce social distancing."