Lockdown violations rampant in Hassanabdal's markets.

TAXILA -- Violations of social distancing guidelines and the government's Covid-19 advisory have been observed in nearly all commercial, business and shopping areas in Hassanabdal.

People formed long queues outside various banks on Thursday without maintaining a physical distance between each other; customers have been visiting their banks to draw salaries and pensions ahead of Eidul Fitr.

Markets and malls have been open despite the lockdown announced by the Punjab government and business activities have continued unchecked on Shah Johan Road, Main Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Hazara Road, Punja Bazaar and other nearby areas.

Shopping for the holidays and for groceries has also continued with little regard for social distancing or the lockdown. Residents of 22 villages adjacent to Hassanabdal have been seen taking the coronavirus outbreak lightly, defying the lockdown and standard operating procedures (SOP) while the district government and police hold flag marches and raids that have not made an impact.

Many people visiting markets have even been doing so without masks, and markets have seen especially large crowds around Iftar time when customers visit roadside vendors and carts selling fruit and vegetables on Shah Johlan Road, the G.T. Road and the bus stand in large numbers.

Customers Dawn spoke to argued that their banks have not made social distancing arrangements at their branches. Ghulam Zakaria, a pensioner who was waiting outside a bank in the heat, said that people have been standing close to each other instead of six feet apart - as advised by health authorities. He said that inside, banks are not...

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