STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: COVID-19 protocols have gone for a toss in Guwahati, even in the three containment zones.
It was on May 5, 2021 containment zones were declared in three GMC (Guwahati Municipal Corporation) wards – 8, 16 and 28.
According to containment rules, all government and private offices, educational institutes and business establishments other than exempted categories will remain closed during the containment period. There will be no restriction on the movement of officials engaged in emergency and essential services within the containment zone area.
Bank, insurance offices and ATMs will function normally by maintaining COVID-19 protocols. Grocery/milk/fruits shops will remain open from 8 am to 12 noon. Shopkeepers and customers shall have to maintain social distancing, to wear masks and hand gloves. Moreover, shop owners shall ensure six feet distance among customers and shall not allow more than five persons inside the shop. In addition, shop owners should compulsorily keep sanitisers and hand wash in their shops.
Medicine shops, veterinary clinics and animal feed shops are to be exempted from the restrictions. Mobile vending for vegetables/fish and meat will also be allowed in the containment zone area.
People with medical emergency purposes will be allowed for movement in and outside the containment zone area on the production of valid medical documents.
However, in most of the containment zones, people take the advantage of poor manning of personnel by the administration. They go out and come in without any restrictions, thereby, the very purpose of the declaration of the containment zones has been failed.
While Ward No 28 comprises areas like Barsajai (part), Basistha Grant (part), Maidan (Part), Barmataria (part) and Hatigaon (part); Ward 16 comprises areas like Fatasil, Bhaskar Nagar, Barshapara, Dhirenpara (part) and Ward 8 comprises Bhutnath, Kumarpara, Muchkhowa and Athgaon (part).