The country is reeling under the second wave of Coronavirus Pandemic which is even worst then the first wave as two lakh new cases are being registered every day. On the other hand, Maharashtra despite continuous efforts by the administration to curb the spread of the Virus is witnessing new all-time high cases every alternate day. On Thursday, Nagpur registered 5813 new cases taking the city’s total caseload to nearly three lakh. To curb the spread of the novel virus, the state government has imposed a strict night curfew and a dozen of strict restrictions. Despite this, people are still being negligent towards covid norms.
On Thursday which is also the first day of the 15 day long curfew, people were seen flouting norms and making a joke out of the ‘Night curfew’ imposed by the state. Even at around 9 pm, many places like Mominpura, Jafar Nagar, Mecosabagh were buzzing with people on the streets without proper masks and without physical distancing. Traffic was also heavy on the major streets of the city. Although there were police checkpoints at various places and intersections of the city, but people still managed to flout the norms while many youngsters were observed without masks.
Mominpura, which emerged as one of the biggest coronavirus hotspots during the first wave of the pandemic is again at high risk as the month of Ramadan has just begun. Ignoring constant appeals by the administration and religious entities, people are still flouting norms in the name of the holy month. Jafar Nagar on the other hand is buzzing with people despite constant police patrolling. The moment the police patrol van passes the establishments again open up the shutter and continue their business. Many dairy and daily needs shops were crowded in the area with dozens of customers gathering outside the establishments without physical distancing. The road near Mecosabagh was also full of people buying fruits and other items from street hawkers even after the restricted time. All these activities were observed after 9 pm in the night i.e. 1 hour after the ‘night curfew’ began.
With almost no vacant beds, shortage of medicines, and shortage of vaccine in the city, the medical infrastructure is facing the worse time. The administration despite constant efforts is unable to take the situation under control. At this critical time, it is very important for people to understand the seriousness and threat of the pandemic. It is important for people to act responsibly, stay indoors and fight against the deadly virus which has once again gripped the city in its claws.