Temples, leisure spots shut in Coimbatore to contain Covid virus spread

COIMBATORE: The spike in Covid-19 cases has forced the city corporation to close the public recreational places like parks, jogging tracks and leisure spots at waterbodies such as Valankulam and Ukkadam Periyakulam to contain the virus spread.
Corporation commissioner Raja Gopal Sunkara said the recreational facilities would remain closed from Saturday until further orders.
The move has disappointed many families, who ventured out to the parks and zoo on the day only to find them closed for the public. Madhan Kumar, a resident of Nanjundapuram, said, “We went out to spend some time away from home. But all the leisure spots were closed. Children were disappointed as they had to spend the time in front of TV.”
Santhanamari, a resident of Velandipalayam, said they wouldn’t have gone out if the authorities had announced the closure of recreational places for the public in advance. “Since the parks were open on Friday, we thought they would be open today (Saturday) too. It is a long way back home.”
The district administration, meanwhile, said the temples would also remain closed for devotees from Saturday.
District collector G S Sameeran said the Covid-19 cases were on the rise and appealed the public to strictly follow the pandemic protocols and avoid large gatherings during the Pongal holidays. “Celebrate the festival with your near and dear ones at home.”
Police were deployed at Race Course and other leisure spots in the city to dissuade people from gathering there.
On Friday, the residents had thronged the public places and parks to unwind with the family members. Many of them visited VOC Park and Zoo, while youngsters went out on long bike rides.