People throng markets for shopping, health guidelines neglected

People of all walks of life started to throng different markets in the capital for shopping ahead of the Eid. People were also seen crowded on footpaths too.

A large number of people were seen at different markets in the capital including New Market, Baitul Mukarram Market, Mirpur-1 and Mirpur-10. Though health guidelines are being maintained at some big shopping malls, the scenery is totally different at footpath shops. People were not seen to follow hygiene rules there. Buyers are purchasing things standing in gatherings.  Till the noon, a vast number of people gathered in the markets, turning the markets into sea of people.

According to shop owners, the crowd is more at noon and afternoon than that of morning as the market is open till 8:00 pm. There were not many buyers over the last few days. But the presence of shoppers on Monday and Tuesday was much higher.

Fatema Begum, who along with some family members went to Mirpur-1 footpath for shopping, said, “Everything was closed for so long because of coronavirus. Now more people are coming as markets are opened. It is not possible to shop on the footpaths in accordance with the hygiene rules. No one will follow this rule. In fact, it is almost impossible to follow proper health guidelines. But we came with masks.”

One shopkeeper was found without mask. When asked why he was not following the hygiene rules replied, “How can I follow health guidelines? People crowd here at every intersection. Wherever you look, there is a crowd of people. How you will be alert on who wears mask and who does not.”