Callous attitude of residents in containment spots irks officials

Though the residents on the three stretches, Charminar Street, Iqbal Street and Gulzar II Street, were being provided fruits, vegetables and grocery every day through 20 vehicles operated by the Mahalir Thittam, they still move out freely to purchase daily needs, according to officials.

Many residents often step out of the containment zone without wearing the face mask. The streets were initially sealed off with aluminium sheets, but locals made som openings on them to exit and return, sources revealed.

The local body was casual in its approach to contain the pandemic with total normalcy being the norm till the detection of the positive cases. “The police then swung into action and helped block the streets, but to no avail,” said an official.

Lack of security personnel in the town is the main reason why the local people walk in and out of the containment zone. Police, health officials or civic authorities are not much in numbers here like in other towns where the containment zones were successful.

While admitting that the public inside the containment zones had to be provided with whatever help they needed, officials claim that the resident do not seek any such help from us.

“Such help will be needed only if they are unable to move out. When they can do so at will, why will they need our assistance,” an official said and pointed out the behaviour of a DMK functionary, who goes to the nearby commission mandi daily, despite living in the containment zone, as an example.

Vellore district has reported a total of 34 positive cases of whom one died while another 17 have returned home after treatment. Another 1,500 persons are in isolation while test results are awaited for 250 patients. Collector A Shanmuga Sundaram was not available for comment.after treatment. Another 1,500 persons are in isolation while test results are awaited for 250 patients. Collector A Shanmuga Sundaram was not available for comment.