PONDA: Ponda locals on Tuesday raised alarm over the careless attitude shown by some locals, migrant workers and tourists in the taluka by flouting the COVID-19 norms at public places, markets and temples.
While some people honestly following the COVID guidelines including social distancing, wearing of masks, the locals are irked with fact that many including some migrants and tourists in the market places, temples and other public places, hotels etc are throwing COVID guidelines to wind when cases in Ponda are increasing and even one building is declared as containment zone.
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Last year as it was mandatory, fearing police, all were wearing masks at public places but this year there is no fear among the people as there is no 100 per cent implementation of COVID guidelines.
Viraj Sapre recalled, “Last year when many people suffered job loss due to lockdown. It appears some people are relaxed and don’t even fear of pandemic. At the same time, these people don’t want lockdown that will snatch their livelihood but showing careless attitude by not wearing masks and not maintaining social distancing.”
“If we don’t want another lockdown then ‘bhivpachi garaja asa’,” said Sapre.
“It’s time to implement COVID guidelines seriously and strictly by the government and fine the people who are not wearing masks,” he added.
The health officials and staff at various health centres at Ponda had similar opinion.
One health official on condition of anonymity said, “Deputy Collector should make it compulsory wearing of masks and following other COVID guidelines. We are working hard to create awareness on COVID-19 pandemic by visiting affected areas, at the same time conducting COVID tests on people.”
He recalled that some time back they had to sacrifice their holidays and even one point of time were unable to meet their relatives due to pandemic situation.
He said that he is pained to see that some people are roaming without wearing masks.
