Covid-19 complacency sets in; mask & sanitiser sales plunge in Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: With the Covid-19 positivity rate showing a fast declining trend in Assam and the government is making more relaxations, Covid-19 complacency has set in among the people.

Masks and sanitisers no longer sell like hotcakes, and the demand for the two items is not even half of what it was four months ago. Many people roam around in public places, markets, shops and government offices without wearing masks.

Even though some doctors are justifying the fall in the sales of masks arguing that people have started using reusable masks, experts have linked the sharp decline in the sales to people's "Covid complacency".

"The fall in the sales of sanitiser is a clear indication that Covid complacency has been setting in. It is a dangerous trend. We must not forget that the pandemic is not yet over. Adhering to Covid protocols and safety norms is a must to prevent any health eventuality in future," a doctor at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) said.

A pharmacist on GMCH premises said the trend of buying surgical or N-95 masks is waning. He said people have started buying reusable and washable masks.

"We have stopped procuring surgical masks. We are selling cotton-made masks now. Till July 2021, we used to sell a minimum of 200 masks daily. Now the number has come down below 50. Similar is the case with sanitiser and disinfecting sprays," the pharmacist said.

Online retailers have echoed similar observations and trends.

"The reason behind the dip in sales of sanitiser and mask is almost clear. There is a general feeling that the Covid-19 is over," said another doctor at the GMCH.

A restaurant owner in the city said he has been receiving many customers without wearing masks. An employee of a private bank said even though her office has installed automated hand sanitising machines, many customers come without masks. The majority of the people are visiting market places, shopping malls without wearing masks.

"Such complacency will be more during the Durga Puja celebrations next month. The government and the administration cannot do much unless the people adhere to Covid-19 protocols by themselves. If complacency continues, we are only heading towards a fresh wave of coronavirus infection in the coming months," another doctor said.

Also Read: Seven die of Corona in Assam, new cases 366

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