‘Night curfew illogical, govt must check gatherings during day-time to contain Covid-19’
Thursday, 30 December 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Though the state government has imposed a night curfew to contain the spread of Covid-19, many people termed it illogical due to blatant violation of Covid protocol at various public places during the day. Many people in public places, especially in restaurants and marketplaces can be seen without masks or social distancing despite the recent cases of the Omicron variant. Many opined that the night curfew serves no purpose when all gatherings are taking place during the daytime. According to a senior citizen, Tej Verma, “Nobody goes out after 11 PM in Dehradun during winter. The government should work on imposing restrictions during the day when people actually tend to defy the protocols. Adults and children can be seen without wearing proper masks in public places all day. This is when the authorities should take action rather than wasting time and resources at nights to ensure the execution of the irrational curfew.”
Some also stated that shrinking the time window for celebrations like New Year can also lead to overcrowding which will pose more risk to people. “There are no restrictions in rallies, movie theatres, shopping malls and other gatherings where people come in contact with others throughout the day but apparently, partying with known people at night can lead to Covid spread. What is the scientific reason behind this night curfew? The government should take concrete steps to control the contagion rather than creating a false sense of security among the public by issuing such orders,” stated school teacher Sapna Negi.
Founder of Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation, Anoop Nautiyal also stated that very few people come out between 11 PM and 5 AM, and the authorities should rather explore the ideas to minimise large assembly of people in markets, weddings and rallies besides ensuring 100 per cent compliance of Covid protocols. Talking about the initiatives taken by the local businessmen to contain Covid, the president of Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal (DVMUVM) Pankaj Masson said that the shopkeepers have been instructed to follow protocols and not to entertain people without masks. He said, “We will soon hold a meeting to discuss a thorough strategy to conduct business in the city amid the increasing case of Covid.” The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and the senior superintendent of police (SSP) Janmejaya Khanduri also stated, “We have intensified our campaign of raising awareness among people about Covid besides imposing fines. The police have also started taking actions under relevant acts for the non-compliance of guidelines.” He appealed to the public to comply with the guidelines and inform the police if they observe violations of Covid protocols in the city.
