Basic COVID-19 safety protocols, like maintaining adequate physical distance and wearing masks properly, were compromised in many places across Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai, during the first lockdown-free Sunday following the unveiling of ‘Unlock 4.0’.
Crowds thronged public places, including open markets, playgrounds and Marina Beach (though officially, the beach is closed to visitors), with people moving about shoulder-to-shoulder in some areas.
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In Srirangam, devotees were seen standing in close proximity to each other. In Chennai, families, including children, thronged Marina Beach, and youngsters were spotted playing cricket and football on the Corporation playgrounds. The Marina Service Road was busy, with walkers, joggers and skaters using it.
“Most of them had masks but they wore it on the jaw. A few helpless police personnel were watching people walk past. It appeared as if the city [believed it] had become COVID-19-free,” said M. Jaishankar, an autorickshaw driver.
In the evening, many families spent time on the beach, again without wearing masks. “The police are unable to control [the situation] as the number of visitors is more,” said S. Ethiraj, a resident of Nochikuppam.
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Youngsters had a field day, playing outside after a long time. Somasundaram Ground in T. Nagar, Chennai, was full of youngsters, many of whom were not wearing masks.
“Grounds have been opened for morning walks. Now, it is up to the public to follow safety measures and be cautious till the virus goes away. Though the government cannot be blamed, it could put in place a mechanism to monitor the crowd, especially after seeing such incidents,” said V.S. Jayaraman, a T. Nagar resident.
Out in the open
“We were happy to hear that the grounds have been opened. Many of those who had come to play wore masks. Most of them used kerchiefs to cover their nose and mouth. We were not standing close to each other,” said Raju, who was playing in Pallavaram.
People were playing football on the ground behind the Foreshore Estate Police Station. Many were not wearing masks, according to residents.
The Kasimedu fish market was packed, and many were not wearing masks. Around 60 police personnel were deployed in the market to regulate the crowd.
“But the public turned a deaf ear to our advice. Now, it is up to the people to follow discipline. We cannot do anything,” a police officer said.
A similar situation prevailed in the Vanagaram fish market. “The crowd was larger than usual. Many, including the shopkeepers, were not wearing masks. Hence, I returned without purchasing anything,” said S. Sukumar, a resident of Maduravoyal.
K. Bharati of the South Indian Fishermen’s Welfare Association said people forgot about physical distancing probably because it was the first restriction-free Sunday after a long time. “We should not forget that the government can impose restrictions again if there is a surge in cases. Hence, people should maintain physical distance and follow all safety measures,” he said.
Membership drive
Ironically, the ruling AIADMK conducted a membership drive at Madhavaram near the Municipality office, where safety protocols were ignored. Rural Industries Minister P. Benjamin was present at the event. More than 1,000 people took up party membership. Men and women were seen standing and sitting in close proximity to each other, increasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.