Not many care for distancing, masks in city’s containment zones

Ludhiana: Even as the authorities have been creating containment zones in the city in a bid to rein in Covid-19 numbers, they have apparently failed in fully enforcing social distancing and wearing of masks by the people in these zones.
The administration has already declared Chawni Mohalla, Prem Nagar, and Habib Ganj, Islam Ganj and Sensi Mohalla as three separate containment zones. But, by June 17, Chawni Mohalla saw cases touching 42, Prem Nagar 19, and Habib Ganj, Islam Ganj and Sensi Mohalla had 55 cases.
Although the health department officials said that they have been issuing challans to those violating social distancing norms and not wearing masks, the ground reality in these areas suggests otherwise.
During a reality check by TOI in Islam Ganj area, it looked business as usual, as people could be seen moving around freely there. At some shops, including a medical shop, four to five persons were standing and were least bothered about social distancing.
Similarly, in Chawni Mohalla, which was the first containment of the city, a group of six persons were seen chit-chatting, while young boys gave two hoots to putting on face masks. In the same area, a woman, along with two other women, was roaming around without mask.
Police officials, however, claimed they are not only preventing the entry and exit of people from these areas, but also ensuring that the residents follow social distancing norms and wear masks.
On the TOI findings, civil surgeon Dr Rajesh Bagga said they have been trying hard to generate awareness about the benefits of social distancing, wearing masks properly and not spitting in public places, but some violators undo their efforts. He said they have already imposed fines to the tune of lakhs of rupees on violators and would continue to do so in the days ahead.
The civil surgeon, however, said it is the police, who have to ensure that social distancing is adhered to in the containment zones.
A senior police officer said, “There can be isolated examples of violation of social distancing norms and not wearing masks by a few, as largely people are following these,” he added.
A social activist Narinder Singh wondered if the authorities are not able to enforce social distancing norms and wearing of masks by people in containment zones, how can they do it in non-containment areas.