Srinagar, Feb 25: At a time when health experts have sounded alert for the next phase of Covid-19 and asked people to follow Covid-19 SOPs in letter and spirit while stepping outside, the guidelines in Srinagar city are being brazenly violated.

People in the city are seen moving without face masks despite the order by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), and thus putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.

Commuters too are seen without using facemasks and not adhering to Covid-19 guidelines, due to which there is an apprehension of a rise in Covid-19 cases.

A senior citizen Ghulam Rasool of the old city told Rising Kashmir that, “people should learn from the previous lockdown and how much we lost in every sector. Despite what has happened in the past, people are not taking precautionary measures.”

Rasool said that the health experts are continuously warning for the second wave of coronavirus, which is believed to be more deadly. 

Another resident of Batmaloo said that earlier the authorities issued an order which stated that if anybody found without a mask he/she will be fined Rs 1000 “but we have not seen the implementation of the order in the order.”

“We still have time to be safe from the second wave of the virus and if we will not follow the guidelines strictly we will have to face the consequences,” he said. 

Several health experts have repeatedly warned about the second wave of coronavirus some states have indicated that they will go for a strict lockdown again amid the rise in coronavirus cases. 

Notably, during the ongoing pandemic, the J&K administration issued advisories and orders from time to time and stressed upon the general public to wear a face mask in public places. Many times a fine was also realized for not wearing masks, but such actions from the authorities lasted only a short period of time. 

The orders which are issued from time to time have not been implemented on the ground.

The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) also issued a circular in which it said that the SMC will enforce sections of the Municipal Corporation (MC) Act 2000 from January 1 within Srinagar city limits to make wearing a mask in public places mandatory.

Dr Naveed Shah who is head of chest medicine GMC Srinagar recently tweeted, “Beware and cautious, Indications of second wave beginning to come. Maharashtra/Kerala starting to heat up again, take vaccines whosoever gets an opportunity and take precautions.”

Talking to Rising Kashmir Dr Naveed Shah said there are indications of a second wave of coronavirus and people should strictly follow the Covid-19 guidelines to prevent themselves and others from this virus.

“There are no new guidelines. People are well aware of how to be safe from this deadly disease, but just need to implement the guidelines,” he said. 

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole while talking to Rising Kashmir said that, “It is a matter of worry. We are closely monitoring the situation.” 

Pole appealed to people to always use masks in public places and maintain distance wherever possible.

On being asked would authorities start any drive in the coming days to ensure adherence of SOPs on the ground, he said, “The drive will be launched in the coming days.”