PONDA: Ponda locals on Sunday showed discontent over the casual approach of migrant workers and vendors towards COVID-19 pandemic situation, where they were seen flouting the government guidelines on social distancing and not wearing face masks properly at the Ponda weekly market.
The locals demanded that the government should create awareness among the migrant workers about the new COVID-19 variants or else it may lead to widespread of virus in Ponda Taluka. To add to this some people also organised marriage ceremonies today with a rush of more than 50 people.
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Till today at Primary Health Centre, Ponda, there were 772 active positive cases reported. Besides, there are 182 at Shiroda, 151 at Bethki, 223 at Dharbandora, 167 at Marcaim.
The second floor of Ponda Sub District Hospital is converted into COVID Hospital with 62 beds reserved for the patients. If need arises, the entire hospital will be converted into COVID hospital, said sources.
The migrant workers only get Sunday as day off and so the Sunday Weekly Bazaar was crowded with full of migrant workers to buy their weekly quota for domestic and kitchen use.
However, there was seen no fear among them about the new COVID variants as most of them are unaware about it. Many were found spending time at market place without any work.
Traditionally, Wednesday and Saturday, were the only two weekly bazaar days at Ponda market wherein the locals visit market for shopping, but after new COVID variants Pondaitees are rarely seen making rush. Even some hoteliers were seen waiting for the customers.
A Ponda local, Viraj Sapre said, “There is a need to create awareness among the migrant workers, who are unaware about the dangers of new COVID variants.”
He said that their approach is casual towards the virus.
“Compare to the last year, there are no strict restriction during buying and selling. There is no marking of one metre distance at the shops despite the new COVID variants found. People used to buy goods staying in a queue in the circles marked at distance of one metre. There was Central Reserve Police force deployed to follow COVID norms during buying and selling. All this is missing now,” said Sapre.
“Last year efforts were made to bring the fish and vegetable vendors at open space to prevent the spread of Coronavirus but this year the vegetable and fish markets are seen crowded as also other Bagayatdar Bazaars,” he added.
“There is no restriction in buying and selling thereby giving a crowded look at the market place. The Sunday Weekly Bazaar meant for the migrant workers at Ponda market was seen crowded. Some of the Bagayatdar Bazaars also were seen with rush of people for buying. Last year, the police were strictly controlling the situation but this time except giving challans for non-wearing of masks, the social distance norm has gone for a toss in the Ponda market,” said Sapre.
