Chief Secretary Sanjay Krishna invites public opinion on 'Unlock 1.0'. Here's what citizens had to say

Guwahati: Moments after health and finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the lifting of the curbs in Guwahati would be done in phases, Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna asked for public opinion on the Guwahati Unlock 1.0.

Kumar Sanjay Krishna, taking to Twitter, wrote, "In view of the rapid rise of Covid 19 cases in Assam, especially in Guwahati, what are your concerns and expectations for Unlock 1.0?." Naturally, the post drew much attention (can you think of a single person that the lockdown does not affect?) and he was bombarded with suggestions.

There were some who urged the Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna to continue with the lockdown, pointing to the rapid surge of cases in the Kamrup (M) area as a cautionary tale. Some warned that another "explosion" could be on the cards once the restrictions are eased.

"Kamrup Metro District (Gauhati) records the fastest growth rate per million in Covid cases nationally and also the maximum no. of active cases per million in India. Please take steps wisely Sir. Unlock may trigger an explosion. Lockdown can help", wrote a user with the username 'Rocky Civil'.

However, there were many who critiqued the Government for imposing the lockdown in the first place, with claims that it has caused extreme miseries to the citizenry many of whom now find their livelihoods jeopardized due to the lockdown. Many were of the opinion that the onus is now on the public to adhere to the prescribed protocols.

Twitter user clarity, trying to (ahem) clarity the situation, said that the lockdown is no longer a solution. "Lockdown isn't a solution anymore. The vaccine is many months away you just can't keep the community under lockdown till then. The onus now lies upon the public to adapt & start living with the disease. Simple, get tested if you feel sick & if positive get treated. Open the economy", the user wrote to Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna.

"Lockdown is no more a solution as people will die of hunger instead. Vaccine is the only solution and till it is ready, ask the administration to act strictly on those not maintaining social distancing, not wearing masks, and not maintaining proper hygiene", wrote Pranjal Mishra.

Another user, Sachin Jain, lamented to Chief Secretary Sanjay Krishna that the Government has not taken the advice of the people heretofore and said that the lockdown has caused immense financial problems for the citizenry. Till today the government was doing lockdown on its on then now what is the purpose of asking the public. Do whatever you want as we are nothing, because we will have to pay house rents, school fees, electricity bill, phone or mobile bills", Jain wrote expressing his woes.

The lockdown was imposed in Guwahati on June 28 following a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in the urban area. Although initially envisioned as a 14-day lockdown, it has been extended and finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the lockdown will only be lifted in phases. The first phase of the 'unlock' will have new rules and guidelines to be announced by the Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna.

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