STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: COVID-19 safety protocols have gone for a toss even as the State is recording new positive cases every day.
Till Saturday (March 13), the State registered 272 active COVID-19 cases. On the same day, 14 new cases were recorded and one succumbed to the virus infection. In between March 1 to 13, the State registered 15 to 25 positive cases every day. From March 31, 2020 to March 13, 2021 altogether 2, 17,780 have been found to be COVID-19 positive in Assam. The total COVID casualty in the State is 1,347 till date.
"The statistics about COVID infection in the State is still a cause of concern. But COVID complacency is suddenly setting in the State. We must not forget that the pandemic is not yet over. Adhering to the COVID protocols and safety norms is of utmost importance to prevent any health eventuality.
"Political parties are also dumping COVID-safety protocols during the ongoing campaigning for the Assembly elections. This is a dangerous sign," said a doctor at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH). He did not rule out the possibility of a fresh wave of COVID-positive cases soon after the three-phased Assembly election is over on April 6.
Hand sanitizers and masks are no longer selling like hot cakes and the demand for both the items is not even half of what it was about four months ago.
A pharmacist at GMCH premises said that the trend of buying surgical or N-95 masks is fast waning. He also said that some people have started buying reusable, washable masks for daily uses.
"We have stopped procuring surgical masks. We are now selling cotton facemasks. Till December 2020, we used to sell a minimum number of 200 masks daily. Now the number has gone below 30. Similar is the case with sanitizers and disinfected sprays," added the pharmacist.
Online retailers have also echoed similar observations and trends.
"The reason for the dip in the sales of sanitizers and masks is almost clear. There is a general feeling that COVID infection is over; and the people in general are lowering their guard as the vaccination drive has started. But it must be remembered vaccine will only strengthen individuals' immunity to fight the virus. Even after vaccination, a person might be infected," said another doctor at GMCH.
A restaurant owner in the city stated that he has seen many customers without wearing masks. "Even though I am requesting my customers to follow the safety protocols, it is difficult to convince all of them," he pointed out.
While the majority of private banks have installed automated hand-sanitizing machines, only a few customers are seen using the same. Majority of the people are visiting market places, shopping malls without wearing masks. The educational institutions are also not adhering to the COVID-safety norms effectively. With the entire government machinery now engaged in conducting the Assembly elections, the State Health department appears to be clueless as to how to ensure that the COVID- safety protocols are followed by the masses at public places.