Social distancing, who cares ?

TNN | Mar 24, 2020, 04.44 AM IST

Trichy: Even as social distancing is identified as a practical and safe way to ward off the novel coronavirus, many Trichiites seem to be in no mood to pursue the practice. A day after the city observed the self-imposed Janata Curfew by staying indoors, people in large numbers, mostly youth, preferred to wander around on their bikes and hang out at tea stalls, many discussing the funny memes on Covid-19. With non-essential outlets too opening on Monday, cautious residents now pin their hopes on section 144 of CrPC coming into effect on Tuesday evening to prevent gathering at public spots.

The authorities had urged the traders to cooperate with the government by refraining from doing business that attracts crowds till March 31. But, around 11 am on Monday, even fashion retail outlets started opening their shutters and customers carelessly thronging them. Mobile and car showrooms as well as second-hand two-wheeler sales showrooms were seen open for business despite the restrictions.

With school and colleges ordered to be closed, youths were seen roaming in their two-wheeler, many riding in triples. “We have been repeatedly insisting on the youths to stay indoors but they are in no mood to oblige. They have not understood the seriousness of the Covid-19 outbreak,” a police officer patrolling Cantonment locality said.

Among those who ventured out to Thillai Nagar and Palakkarai roads were youths heading to mobile and computer accessories shops that were kept open. The city seemed to be completely unaware of the potential infection threat it faces with the local people interacting and travelling at a very close distance. “Residents should cooperate with the authorities, we all have the responsibility of combating the viral infection,” M Sekaran, a social worker said. Neither the police nor the district administration, despite being alerted, bothered to enquire with textile showrooms why they were kept open inviting the public.