The police embarked on stringent checks and punitive steps against Covid-19 protocol violators starting from Saturday evening. Cops enhanced inspections at all entry points to the city.
However, despite the weekend lockdown announced by the district administration on Saturday and Sunday, crowds of people were seen at Sakchi market violating Covid protocols.
People were seen jostling with one another with absolutely no social distance at the milk booth of Sakchi in the city. Similar scenes were also seen at Bistupur.
The additional restrictions have been imposed on Saturday and will continue till Monday morning. On these days, take away parcels are allowed from hotels and only essential services are allowed.
Police are keeping strict vigil throughout the city to curtail the movement of vehicles that roam unnecessarily. At Sakchi, police were seen dealing with drivers of vehicles who were roaming without any valid reason. Most of them were given pep talk and asked to go back to their homes.
Police were also seen convincing a woman to stop selling flowers on push cart as it is not an essential item. On the whole it seems police have a tough challenge on their hands to deal with the citizens in spite of repeated requests and warnings.
The city police are taking stern action against those who resort to unnecessary travel. Those who are included in the government sanctioned essential services have to travel to and from the place only at certain times and they have to carry their official identity card and the certificate of the office head in their hand. Train and air passengers will be allowed to travel on presentation of tickets and other travel documents. Those who are going to be vaccinated will also be allowed to travel. The ‘affidavit’ can be used only for urgent matters like medical and emergency needs.
Only medical stores and essential food outlets can be opened. Large stores such as supermarkets are not allowed to operate. Hotels and restaurants will not be allowed to operate ‘take away’ on these two days and home delivery only is permitted. Tea shops and wayside eateries should not operate. The number of people who can attend weddings will be strictly controlled.