After 80 days, normalcy returns to Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi: Coinciding with the onset of the monsoon in Kerala on Monday, normalcy returned to Kalaburagi, which had reported India’s first Covid-19 fatality, after an 80-day lockdown. Most commercial shops and markets reopened, with the district administration allowing operations between 10am and 6pm.
Unfortunately, the opening of the marketplaces in Kalaburagi came at the cost of safety norms, with large crowds thronging vegetable, fruit and flower shops, paying no heed to social distancing.There are fears that disregard for safety norms may send the number of cases spiralling upwards.
Although restaurants were strictly directed to restrict operations to takeaway, patrons were found being served at tables at many small eateries. While most eateries followed the norms to the letter, many chose to stay shut.
Meanwhile, autorickshaws returned to the streets of Kalaburagi on Monday, with drivers having been issued instructions not to ferry more than two passengers. However, people will have to wait till June 8 before temples and other places of worship open.
Many people ventured out into the streets without wearing masks, much to the chagrin of health department personnel and cops. Police personnel deployed to enforce safety rules were found directing those manning shops to sell their products only to those customers who were wearing masks.