Covid-19! Sea of vehicles on the streets of Silchar on Saturday during “happy hours”

June 19:  At a time when Assam is struggling to contain the spike in coronavirus infections, people in large numbers took to the streets during the “happy hours” (5 AM to 1 PM), visibly compromising with COVID-19 safety protocols. Since the shops and markets were opened till 12 noon, roads were crowded throughout. Right from early morning, people in large numbers thronged the streets of Silchar. Even the thoroughfare lanes were over crowded.

Crowded vegetable markets, long queues outside provision stores and roads jam-packed with vehicles were the scenes witnessed in Silchar on Saturday. The roads were chocked with a long queue of vehicles. Equal number of vehicles and pedestrians were there on the street waiting for long hours in the traffic jam. It was strange to notice many even without any face masks. A glance at the street at Hospital road, Premtola, Rangirkhari, Itkhola and various other parts of the town exhibited a damn care attitude of the public to Covid-19.

Physical distancing went for a toss as people crowded shops and moved in close proximity with others in market areas while many had their masks on their jaws. The crowd in public places since Saturday evening raised concerns of possible spike in COVID-19 cases in the district in the coming weeks.

Following the new Covid-19 guidelines issued by the state government on Tuesday, Cachar Police have now taken to the streets to ensure that the Covid protocols are meticulously followed. Taking to its twitter handle on Thursday, Cachar Police appealed, “Dear citizens of Cachar District, Follow Covid protocols.”

Action taken by Cachar Police on 18 June, 2021:

• Fine realised for violation of protocols- Rs 2,70,500.
• Action taken against violators- 201.
• Action against vehicles in violation of protocols- 39 bikes, 10 cars.

Curfew hours and related restrictions relaxed step by step in districts with declining #COVID19 positivity & active cases. Stricter curfew and containment measures proposed in districts not improving by 21st Jun.
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— Keshab Mahanta (@keshab_mahanta) June 15, 2021

On Saturday also, Cachar Police continued it’s action upon those who violated the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the state government. Fines were realised and action was taken against violators in various parts of Silchar. On reviewing the situation of COVID-19 in the State, Assam Government on Tuesday came up with new guidelines in order to contain the further spread of coronavirus. The new guidelines stated that as the total number of cumulative cases and per day cases are still showing persistently high numbers in Cachar, so the district will be under close watch till 21 June, 2021. In case, there is no improvement in the COVID status in these districts, stricter restrictions may follow.

It needs mention here that on Friday, a total of 194 persons were found positive in Cachar. Also, 279 patients were discharged during the day. With this, the number of active cases in Cachar has reached 1,763.