NASHIK :
With certain relaxations, Nashik has entered into the third phase of an extended lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic. Citing outbreak of corona, particularly in Malegaon which has crossed 332 marks in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, the Centre has placed Nashik in the Red Zone with strict restrictions on the movement of people from one zone to another.
The lockdown 3.0 which has been extended to prevent the spread of corona infection in the district which is now accounting for more than 383 corona positive cases has begun from Monday. However neglecting the rules of the lockdown and social distancing norms, a number of people seem to violate the rules and moving freely from one zone to another, be it from Red Zone to Orange Zone or vice-versa.
They are secretly entering in the city from other talukas and moving from the Red Zone Nashik to other zones, neglecting appeals of the district administration which is fighting the pandemic shoulder to shoulder with the frontline COVID-19 warriors. Therefore, the risk of increasing the spread of the corona is multiplied. Citizens and drivers violating the lockdown have become a headache for the district administration and the police.
The third nationwide lockdown will continue till May 17 to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus. The administration has divided it into Containment Zone, Red, Orange and Green zones. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has also ordered to bring the situation under control by May 31 by strictly enforcing the lockdown.
In Nashik district too, the number of corona patients has reached close to 400, while Malegaon is becoming a hotspot for the COVID-19. Eight talukas including Nashik city are in Red Zone, while the rest of the talukas are in Orange Zone. Citizens in the Red Zone are not allowed entry into the Orange and Green zones.
Also, citizens in the Orange Zone will not be able to enter the Red and Containment Zones. However, citizens in both zones are defying rules and roaming freely. There are reports of citizens entering in the city from red zones like Malegaon, Sinnar and Nandgaon. Police have cordoned off the city and taluka places and set up check posts.
Citizens are travelling, especially at midnight and early morning. This free movement has increased the risk of corona infection. The terms and conditions of the Red and Orange Zones are being violated. The question is how the police administration can control these violators of the lockdown. Citizens are breaking the rules when there is no need as it is evident from Monday’s overcrowding at liquor shops across the city. A big rush is also being witnessed to buy essential items. Given all these circumstances, there is a fear of an increase in corona infection.
