Learning from the past, the district administration has decided to increase Covid-19 surveillance following violation of Covid protocol reported during Durga Puja. The drive will start from Monday.

The idea is to increase test drives in the city. Moreover, strict warnings are being issued through the public address system.

An official said people have been violating social distancing norms during Durga Puja celebrations. The administration has decided to take tough action against those roaming without masks and violating norms. Notably, steel city residents flouted Covid protocols while venturing out for pandal hopping during the five festive days. Even on Dashami, people came out in large numbers crowding the places like Sakchi, Golmuri, Sonari and elsewhere.

“Last year cases shoot up after Durga Puja. Despite restrictions imposed by the state government, people failed to abide by it. We have issued an alert over fresh Covid cases. Efforts are being made to check the spread of the virus. But, people should continue to follow the Covid guidelines,” said an official of the health department.

The official said that after the festivities, large scale testing will be done to control the pandemic and treat the patients. He added that though cases have dropped from past few weeks but they fear the virus might have spread further during community gathering.

The local authorities are concerned over the increasing number of people testing positive at the testing positive at other parts of the country.

Throwing the guidelines to whirlwinds, people could be seen crowding the city and other market areas in large numbers. Though the spread of coronavirus has slowed down but the threat is not yet over. We are working on innovative ways to defeat the virus completely. For this it is important to ensure compliance of Covid-19 protocol,” said the official.

He noted that with Durga Puja people have violated the norms of social distancing. The administration is now coming up with hoardings and banners educating people to stay away from rush. He added that the public address system has been intensified.

“With the markets and malls beaming with shoppers, roads are clogged with traffic such behaviour could prompt an explosion in infections. Festive season traditionally results in a massive increase in consumer spending. It is the one time of year when even the poorest of the poor buy new clothes or items for the house. We want people to stay indoors and stay safe,” said the official.