Despite rise in COVID-19 tally and prediction over possibility of second wave of COVID-19 in twin city, many people are still breaching health safety protocols, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing at public places or in public transports, posing threat to further spread of Covid-19 infection. Despite fear of a second wave of the coronavirus outbreak in the late wintry season, disregard of the city residents in becoming accustomed of COVID protocols and taking precautions to stop spreading of COVID-19, is leading to rise in COVID cases in Bhilai. People are not following the warnings issued by health officials and civic authority and many were seen gathering in large numbers at parks, garden, playgrounds, coffee shops, restaurants, participating in functions, farewell parties, marriage processions without wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

 

If medical experts are to be believed that there was a marked slowdown witnessed in the new COVID-19 cases till last month and most of the city residents has considered that the corona has gone and they can heave a sigh of relief. But, mockery of COVID norms by the residents, especially in the festive and wedding season has resulted in sudden rise in COVID-19 tally across Durg district. However, a second wave was expected in January February month. Fortunately, there is no new outbreak witnessed in any of districts or cities across Chhattisgarh. But, this does not mean that there will not be another surge in cases.

 

Medics have added that the threat of a second wave still persists and the next few weeks are crucial. The decline in COVID-19 positive cases till the month of January with drop in death rate, and remarkable recovery statistics has brought back people in cheerfulness. But, unfortunately the flattening of COVID curve has also made a negative impact on public and consequently people are becoming reluctant towards obeying COVID protocols, considering no longer existence of COVID infection. Meanwhile, the BMC officials have cautioned the city residents that any negligence in observing precautions will lead to a surge in cases while requesting them for not assuming that the coronavirus threat no longer exists.

 

Talking to the newspaper, Public Relation officer, P C Sarva has appealed that people should wear masks and must maintain social distance without fail. He added that irresponsible people to face penalty for violation of COVID protocols and it may further attract legal action against the Covidiots under the Epidemic Act and other relevant sections of IPC. However, still many people can be seen visiting public places, jostling through crowd and taking part in social gatherings without wearing mask and not maintaining social distance.