The Covid-19 outbreak in the country has dampened the festive mood in the country, with the government not allowing festival celebrations in public places. With big festivals around, people are avoiding gathering and crowded places in different parts of the country. However, the situation is different in Ahmedabad.
The city of Ahmedabad, which is known as ‘Boston of India’, seems to have forgotten the Covid-19 pandemic and people were seen flouting social distancing norms while shopping for the festivals in the Elite market.
With the Navratri underway and Diwali approaching, the elite market has seen a surge in shopping since Sunday. Significant crowds were seen in the market with people not wearing masks.
In view of this, the police have started creating awareness among the people asking them to maintain self-discipline in the market. Police have put announcement systems on vans and bikes in all four roads and market areas of the city, including the elite market. Police are also alerting citizens to remain vigilant against Corona. The biggest crowd in the coming days is going to be at the elite market in the Kot (Fort) area of the city. Municipal Corporation and the police are worried that Corona’s transition could be unavoidable in such a situation.
The Karanj police in the area where the elite market falls have now become active in taking necessary steps including raising public awareness against Corona.
Zone-2 DCP Vijay Patel said that the High Court has approved the installation of 800 beds in the elite bedding market. Attempts have been made to maintain the system at the local level by creating three separate bodies.
To maintain social distance in such circumstances, the police have started forming circles for customers to stand far away. Police have launched efforts to ensure that traders and citizens wear masks constantly.
At the same time, the police have started raising awareness among shopkeepers, residents and consumers to maintain social distancing, wear masks and use hand sanitizers to prevent the corona epidemic.