KOLKATA: The administration has put in place several measures in Posta, Koley Market and other crowded markets in the central business hub to break the virus transmission chain and safeguard local residents, traders and customers.
The administration has set up rapid testing centres inside the markets, started random testing for Covid-19 among truck drivers and their helpers, banning repeat trips for unvaccinated drivers and arranging for vaccination for traders, labourers and drivers. On Thursday, chief minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing her officials, had instructed to keep a close watch on Posta and other crowded markets and check if truck drivers and their helpers are vaccinated.
The cops, too, have set up guardrails in the markets and put up checkpoints so that people practice social distancing and vehicles are parked at a distance from each other.
“We have been distributing masks and sanitisers every day and telling drivers, helpers and labourers to not crowd but space out their seating arrangements. The cops, too, are announcing about the safety guidelines. All the traders in Posta have been fully vaccinated,” said Chandan Chakraborty, president of the traders’ association in Posta.
Kiosks have been set up in the market for rapid testing of those coming from outside. “If somebody is found positive, we are advising them to isolate themselves and consult doctors at local health centres,” said Vivek Gupta, MLA of Jorasanko where Posta is located.
Several thousand trucks arrive at Posta and Koley Market everyday, most of which are from neighbouring states. Despite restrictions by the government, the crowds have only swelled in wholesale and community markets with many flouting the safety guidelines. “We are checking the vaccination status of the drivers and their helpers. Those who disagree to get vaccinated are not being allowed repeat trips by the market committees,” said an officer of the central division of Kolkata Police.
