PANJIM:The guidelines to be followed in preventing the spread of Covid-19 were thrown to the wind during the electioneering process for the municipal polls on Saturday. Neither the people nor the political leaders seem to worry about the spread of infection.
The kind of gathering by the candidates, their agents and political supporters, all moving without masks or probably half masks, showed how the COVID-19 norms were violated across during the polling process. The physical distancing also went for a toss at majority of the polling booths, with police and poll authorities finding it difficult to handle the voters, who were hardly worried.
Though, the social distancing as well as non-wearing of mask was made mandatory, the same was followed only while entering the polling booths by the voters.
Though earmarking circle of 2 yards (6 feet) distance for voters, depending upon the availability of space was done, to ensure social distancing for queues, none actually followed it. The police personnel on duty also failed to manage the situation.
Goa is witnessing a daily surge in Coronavirus cases for the past few days. The active patient tally has reached close to 1000 with 154 people testing positive on Saturday. The election witnessed large voter turnout.
Covid norms violated
