Public aware of new virus, but not following caution

Electronic goods dealer B Shyam said, “most follow hand washing and wearing masks, but have given social distancing the go by as this norm cannot be adhered to due to business compulsions.” Echoing the idea, motor oil dealer Poonam Chand said, “We do not allow customers into the shop if they do not wear masks.

We have ready facilities for hand washing and also ensure that customers inside the shop follow social distancing.” However, CMC PRO Durai Jasper told DT Next that “wearing masks has gone for a toss due to the prevalent feeling that having survived the initial virus for more than 8 months it has made them adopt a “come what may” attitude.

It is common to see traders on long bazaar and Mandi Street, doing business without masks.

When this reporter asked Kumaresan a trader why he was eschewing masking replied, “it makes breathing difficult when we have to wear it for a long time.” However, shopkeepers lamented that public are averse at being reminded to wear masks inside business premises. “They have masks in their pockets and use it only when forced to,” said a long bazaar trader refusing to give his name. Students alone adopt preventive measures.

While corporation officials fail to act against those not wearing masks Sanitary Officer B Siva Kumar said, “We have a table at the junction of the old bus stand and Mandi Street where those not wearing masks are made to undergo the virus test after which they are given masks for free.” But, the public are fully aware of the mutated strain what makes them take risks is the pervasive notion that it is not virulent as the earlier strain.