Agraj Pratap Singh New Delhi, Aug 28 (UNI) Despite a surge in COVID contagion every passing day, people across the National Capital Region (NCR) continue to flout guidelines and pay lesser heed specially to maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and hand hygiene which are primary safeguards to preventing the virus spread.
Market places and shops, especially grocery stores, witness crowds where people do not realize that social distancing measures are not even being observed. Talking to UNI , Rajesh (name changed on request) who had come to Khan Market for buying some essential items, said that despite being considered as the market place for the 'elite', people on many occasions failed to observe guidelines and just walk up to a shop's counter while one customer is already standing there. He said, even on being politely asked or reminded about the social distancing , people often get offended.
Similarly, Gagan (name changed) a trader from the busy Karol Bagh market, said people hardly follow social distancing norms and roam around with their masks down below their mouths, talking loudly and spitting. When reminded about the situation they only say 'kuch nahi hota, yaha ke log bohot sakht hain.' (Nothing will happen. Here people are very strong.)Similarly, around the crowded Paharganj area, E-rickshaws can be seen full with passengers going to different places. Many people at times are seen without wearing masks and not following any social distancing norms, Gagan added. Many people, especially those commuting on two-wheelers, stand very close while waiting at traffic signals.