VISAKHAPATNAM: Despite the increasing number of Covid-19 cases and warning from health experts on the possibility of rapid spread of the virus, physical distancing norms and other safety guidelines were thrown to the winds by Sankranti festival buyers in several places in Vizag city.
Shopping malls, roads and wayside outlets were overcrowded, with long queues in front of them cutting a sorry figure.
Jagadamba Junction in city where garment malls are concentrated witnessed serpentine queues of buyers. There was no one to enforce Covid-19 norms. Some customers justified the jostling saying it is a big festival and how can one keep off shopping. Sankranti is considered the major festival of Andhra people.
A large number of seafood lovers thronged the fishing harbour in city. “There was no social distancing, and some were seen without masks. It has to be seen whether Covid-19 cases will surge after the Sankranti festival as most of the people have been ignoring the protocols,” said K Siva Kumar, a resident of Vizag city.
