Following the announcement that the lockdown would be extended to June 15, large crowds were seen in the markets in the Chittoor district on Sunday, with commercial activities only allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Chittoor Municipal Corporation and the Madanapalle, Palamaner, Punganur, Puttur, and Nagari communities saw large crowds in meat and wine shops.
There was confusion among the general public that the changed schedules would take effect on Sunday. This resulted in the crowds in the marketplaces thinning out earlier than the usual noon deadline.
Many people bought onions and tomatoes rather than vegetables. The butchers did good business as many owners had limited stocks and expected moderate participation.
There was a great demand for fish everywhere because it has a longer shelf life than meat. Given the crowds, city workers were posted in markets to control the crowds, but this had little effect. An official from a municipal company in Chittoor said it was a welcome sign that almost everyone on the streets was wearing a mask.
One fish seller said the demand for meat and fish has quadrupled recently because people wanted to boost their immunity. “It’s a win-win for both vendors and customers, but compliance with COVID protocols is the order of the day,” he said.
With the Chittoor district continuing to see a record number of daily positive cases and casualties despite last month’s lockdown, many shopkeepers said that reducing commercial activity times from the 1st of November is distancing norms. Police and civilian personnel should focus more on enforcing social distancing norms rather than wearing masks, sellers said.