Coronavirus | Queues in shops before partial closure

Panic buying broke out across the city on Tuesday as thousands of people queued outside grocery stores and vegetable markets before a partial lockdown went into effect across the state from May 5.

Queues have been spotted outside government banks and ATMs in scenes reminiscent of the nationwide lockdown the center imposed last March.

For the most part, people wore masks and followed physical distancing while queuing, being aware of the severity of the COVID situation. A heavy rush was observed in the wholesale stores in One Town, Kaleswara Rao Market, Bhavanipuram, Kothapeta and Patamata on Tuesday.

“There is a possibility of a complete lockdown as COVID cases increase. Many patients succumb to the virus and there is debate as to whether a lockdown is necessary, ”said C. Seetha, who came to buy vegetables at Patamata Rythu Bazaar.

There were long lines in rice and oil mills where people would buy provisions for the next three months. There was a huge rush at egg wholesalers, dried fruit stores and fruit stands.

Curfew-like situation

A lockdown-like situation prevailed in many locations in Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari districts as police mobilized forces to prevent public gatherings and implement the curfew.

In West Godavari District, Secretariat staff made door-to-door visits to identify positive cases and primary contacts in villages. Barricades were placed in security zones in Kalla, Bhimavaram, Undi, Palakol, Narsapuram and other mandalas.

Police stepped up patrol in Tanuku, Eluru, Polavaram, Kovvur, Jangareddygudem, Buttaigudem, Jeelugumilli, Rajamahendravaram and other locations, Eluru Range DIG KV Mohan Rao said.

Public announcements

The police used public address systems to warn people not to get out of their homes unnecessarily. Bluecolts, Rakshak, Sodhana and other police vehicles patrolled Krishna district.

“There is no need to panic as essential services have been exempted from curfew. All medical shops, milk booths, drinking water kiosks and other emergency services will remain open. We urge the public not to gather in stores, ”said one police officer.

“We have seniors at home and medical store owners have not been dropping off the drugs they need in the past few days due to a shortage of stocks of some brands. So we’re doing rounds of medical stores to buy the emergency medication, ”said V. Sriram, an engineering student.

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