By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: Kashmir markets witnessing huge rush amidst the spike in COVID-19 cases is a big cause of concern. People have to stop. They need to understand the gravity of the situation and realize that this Eid-ul-Fitr is different as people are getting infected and killed daily.
An observer said, “If people don’t stop visiting the markets we can witness a huge spike in the COVID-19 cases after Eid. People should realize that the ongoing second wave is dangerous and the patients who are getting infected have to be put on the oxygen as the present variant of the virus is attacking the lungs directly.”
“All of us should realize that the many among us have lost their nears and dears. We need to show some mark of respect towards the dead and also show some concern towards the patients who are fighting COVID-19 within their homes and in hospitals,” he said.
The observer said, “This is not the time for festivities. The government needs to take a note of people thronging the markets and act tough.”
An official said, “From Wednesday onwards strict lockdown will be enforced in Kashmir and people won’t be allowed to move freely. We have received reports about the lockdown being violated in different areas and the counter plan has already been prepared. The administration has been urging the people to cooperate but unfortunately it seems that our pleas are falling at deaf ears. The government has already decided to act tough against the violators.”
People making beelines outside the mutton, chicken and bakery shops is unfortunate. Too many people assembling at one place without following the social distancing norms can have far reaching consequences as the COVID-19 is contagious and anyone can catch it.
A medico said, “Situation in the hospitals is grim if the number of patients keep on increasing we will be pushed to a threshold and things will go out of control. By going on a shopping spree ahead of Eid people are committing a big mistake and if they are not stopped we will have no place left in hospitals and homes, and we can also face acute shortage of oxygen.”
An analyst said, “The government should not even allow Eid congregation prayers as huge gatherings of people can lead to a massive spike in the number of cases. Precaution only can save us. Lockdown needs to be enforced that too strictly.”
