Guwahati: In this market, umbrellas ensure social distancing

GUWAHATI: After Kerala, Chilarai Market in Bongaigaon district has started using umbrellas to enforce social distancing. The purpose of these umbrellas are two-fold - they force people to follow social distancing norms and also protect them from rain during monsoon.
Moreover, at many places, where there is a crowd around grocery stores, spaces have been demarcated to maintain a safe distance between two individuals.
Bongaigaon deputy commissioner Dr MS Lakshmi Priya said this move will be implemented in all local bodies in the district and it is under the Mili Juli initiative of the district administration.
"The idea is to create awareness among people about the importance of social distancing while they step out of their home to buy vegetables and other essential things. The umbrella has a dual purpose - protect people from sun and rain and also enforce social distancing. They ensure that at least one-metre distance is maintained between two people," the deputy commissioner said.
She added, "We started with Chilarai Market now. But we will try to implement it in all major markets in the district. All these umbrellas have been provided by the municipality free of cost."
The district has recorded 155 cases of Covid-19, out of which 68 are active cases, 71 have been discharged so far and 16 have migrated to other districts.
Priya said the administration has also encouraged the gram panchayats to use umbrellas to enforce social distancing. Besides, hourly announcements are being done on public address systems reminding everyone to wear their masks and wash their hands regularly.
She said that the medical team and the village level 'corona prathirodhi dal' is also helping spread awareness. "The Covid-19 protocols laid out by the government have been strictly enforced in the district, especially in the market areas. The virus is highly contagious and full cooperation is sought from every member of the society," Priya added.
The deputy commissioner further said till now no death has been recorded in the district. "Since July 1, a total of 64 cases have been registered so far in the district. Out of that, 23 had travelled to Guwahati, 23 were found to have connections with other patients after contact tracing and 15 have a history of inter-state travel. The source of three cases could not be detected till date," she said.
Till now, nine health staffers, two police personnel and three administrative staff members have been found to be Covid-19 positive in the district. At present, there are 50 containment zones in Bongaigaon.