Fearing complete lockdown in coming days, people in the Capital City have started stock –piling essential goods. Even people have started stocking huge amount of potatoes and onions because of the fear that in case if there is a lockdown or if there is any problem or any problem in vehicular movement from any other states in the movement of green vegetables it people will have potatoes and onions in their kitchen to feed on for some days.
Some shopkeepers on the condition of anonymity also blamed the electronic media for creating panic among the people. The shopkeepers were of the view that media should play a constructive role in sensitszing the people and not indulge in fear-mongering. The shopkeepers were also of the view that the Government had a huge role to play in COVID-19 containment, as people have started hoarding essential items and if hoarding is not checked than in coming days than many underprivileged people will face shortage of essential items as they cannot afford bulk purchasing.
Some shopkeepers said that their sales have drastically come down due the fear of COVID-19.Some even said that there day-sale is nil till 1 in the afternoon which they said is disturbing because that will force them to pull down their shutters if this COVID-19 is not contained.
Even some bootleggers are scared of stepping out of their house due the fear of contracting the virus according to some wine shop owners in the city. People were of the view that more than the disease it is the rumour which is creating problem in the society and increases the responsibility of the government and the people at large.
Many shops in the city said that slowly they are running out of sanitizers and handwash from their shops. Shopkeepers said that the government and the civil society members have a huge role to play if the virus has to be contained otherwise things can spiral out of control.
Some shop-keepers also said that they had minor tiff with some of their customers because they were hell bent in stockpiling some their essential goods that is creating problem in catering to their other regular customers. They said that the correct information has to reach the people only then the people of the city will stop panic –buying.