No social distance in city Markets.

Markets in the city bustled with activity during the four-hour lockdown relaxation on Sunday morning. From vegetable to fruits to fish markets, all places saw huge rush of people. While the crowds thinned out at supermarkets on Saturday, many customers were seen queuing up outside the markets to make their purchases on the fifth day of the lockdown. The weekend vegetable markets at several places too witnessed a rush.

People in most places were seen wearing masks and face shields as 'No Mask, No Entry', 'No Mask, No Sale' boards greeted them at several supermarkets and even kirana stores. As large number of customers queued up, shops in the interior lanes at several colonies stayed open little more than the relaxation hours. With four hours travelling ease in place, the Fishmarket in Ram Nagar, which usually sees rush in normal days, was crowded with people on Sunday. This apart, people also made a beeline to mutton, chicken, and fish shops across the city.



"As all essentials in my house dried up, I went out to vegetable and supermarkets. Seeing the crowds in the vegetable market, I could not go inside and had to return without purchasing anything. I could buy a few vegetables required for the day from a roadside vendor,"

The businesses of small hotels and roadside tiffin centres picked up on Sunday as a large number of people turned up for takeaway. Although electronic appliance showrooms and some garment shops were opened, not many customers were spotted. Wine shops continued to witness crowds lining up to buy liquor, and the physical distancing norms which is a must during this pandemic went for a toss at most of these shops.

As a large number of people ventured out, several junctions and roads in the city had huge traffic and at many places, the vehicles moved slowly. When the lockdown came into force at 10 am, police who had already barricaded the junctions, however, allowed people after checking their purpose of commuting.