HYDERABAD: Social distancing and use of masks are largely being ignored at many localities in Old City.
People moving around and gathering at eateries and hotels without masks and maintaining social distance is a common sight.
Crowded places such as Charminar, Laadbazaar, Gulzar Houz, Falaknuma, Purnapul, Karwan’s Sabzi, Tappachabutra, Jhirrah, Asifnagar and Mehdipatnam see the most violations of Covid-19 norms.
Mohammed Ahmed, TDP, GHMC minority vice-president told TOI that people are rushing to markets and ignoring Covid norms as if there is no pandemic.
He urged the police, health officials and GHMC to ensure there is awareness about Covid-appropriate behaviour so that people take preventative measures to stay safe and keep others safe.
“It is really a matter of concern,” Ahmed said.
“Ignorance may prove costly in coming days.
Citizens should not forget the sufferings of people who lost their loved ones since the outbreak.” He added, “People assume that with lifting of lockdown, everything has become normal.
This is not the case.
Even if the lockdown is lifted, the pandemic has not ended.” Mohammed Abdul Rahman, a shopkeeper, told TOI that many people visit his shop without a mask, or wear it improperly.
“When we tell them to wear a mask or to wear it properly, most do not take it seriously.” He said, “After the lifting of the lockdown, people think the pandemic is over.
Most people visiting the Old City are without masks or are not wearing them properly.
The rules should be implemented strictly, else there is a danger of third wave hitting soon.”