Crowded weekly markets a cause of concern

Hubballi: Weekly shandies with high footfalls have become a major cause of concern among city residents, as the chances of coronavirus spreading here are high. In Hubballi, weekly shandies are held at residential areas on various days and people of surrounding areas visit these markets to buy vegetables, fish and other products.
Most vendors violate social distancing and set up their shops without a safe gap and buyers who frequent these markets have expressed their concern about it.
There were instances in which people who visited such a market caught the infection. Hence, a few days ago the district administration launched random testing using rapid antigen testing kits. During the drive, many shop owners and vendors tested positive.
Recently, a 60-year-old lady who visited Durgad Bail Market before Raksha Bandhan tested positive. However, it is not still clear whether she caught the infection after visiting the market as she had no travel history.
Dr DD Bant, head of community medicine department at KIMS told TOI that people should avoid crowded places and the chances of them getting infected by close contact is high. It is better if they don’t go to crowded places at all, he said.
Dr VB Nitali, a physician from Hubballi said, “In crowded markets, the viral load will be high. People should not spend more than 20 minutes in the market. They should always wear a mask and maintain social distance.”
HDMC commissioner Suresh Itnal said all safety measures have been taken in the weekly markets and health inspectors would also inspect them regularly. If anyone is found without a mask or not following Covid-19 protocols, action would be taken against them, he said.