People defy lockdown despite spike in Covid-19 cases

PESHAWAR: The majority of the people have started violating the lockdown that has been in place for over three weeks now despite the increasing number of Covid-19 cases.

Even the cops are exhausted though they have to enforce the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The cops are also confused whether to stop people by force or ignore the violation of the lockdown by individuals in cities, towns and villages in absence of a clear-cut policy. The number of Covid-19 cases in Peshawar and rest of the country have started increasing in the last few days. It is a sign that the spread of the virus is continuing amid the partial lockdown.

“Police have locked down 27 different points and streets in the provincial capital following emergence of cases of coronavirus in these places,” an official informed The News. Besides, the force along with Army and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel has set up joint checkpoints at over 42 points to stop people from gathering. An official said that more than 300 policemen are deployed at locked down streets and quarantine centres. Another 300 are deployed at disbursement points of the Ehsaas Programme.

Separately, 231 cops are deployed at retail shops where a large number of deserving people gather to collect the Rs12,000 announced by the government. “Ten teams are jointly patrolling with Army and FC personnel. The Covid-19 related commitments are increasing. It is a constant challenge over and above the regular duty of maintaining law and order, going after the criminals and terrorists and investigating the cases,” an official said.

The official added that safety of cops from the coronavirus, especially at sensitive places and quarantined centres was another tough challenge. He admitted that the cops were exhausted and this is the reason the situation like the one in Board Bazaar happened. Police officials in Board Bazaar tortured a retired professor the other day while taking action against people who had gathered there. The senior police officials have suspended the station house officer concerned and an inquiry has been ordered. In a number of such incidents, cops tortured and manhandled media persons and other people in the last few weeks. Their bosses pointed out that these incidents happened due to the extraordinary situation and burden on cops.

On the other hand, despite the increase in number of cases and fears that situation will worsen in coming days, people in large numbers are now seen daily in markets, public places and on roads in violation of the lockdown and social distancing.

The situation is relatively better in major cities, cantonments and posh residential areas but nobody is bothered about social distancing in villages and suburban areas. “People use to avoid handshake in the beginning but now they don’t care anymore. They don’t follow the principles of social distancing in markets, streets, playgrounds, mosques or anywhere now,” a store manager in a suburban village said.

He added that all are exhausted due to the situation and many have started ignoring the threat. Some traders have already started demanding opening of markets and shops for Ramazan. Another local said hundreds of men and women waited for their turn in queues outside retailer shop for payment of Rs12,000 without ensuring social distancing. The same is happening at every retail centre across the country, speaking volumes about how people are least bothered about social distancing.

While many say complete lockdown is not possible due to the economic conditions and many other factors, some suggested trying this option for three to four weeks to help improve the situation and stop the spread of coronavirus. “A complete lockdown for three to four weeks seems to be the only solution to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan. It will help prevent it from spreading further,” a social media activist Qazi Jalal said.

He added that depriving all people of job for one month seems better than depriving 80 percent people of jobs for six to eight months and also exposing them to risks. “After complete one month lockdown the only thing to do will be to keep a check at airports and borders so no one who has tested positive comes from abroad. The partial lockdown one is useless if corona spreads to villages amd suburbs. Complete lockdown can be done better in Ramazan by providing ration to all poor families and ensuring 24 hours electricity supply to all cities, villages, suburbs so that people could stay at home while fasting,” he suggested.