WOULD ADAPTING TO THE NEW CURBS BE DIFFERENT THAN LAST YEAR?
Withfreshcurbsimposedonfreemovementofpeople,andwiththeclosure ofnon-essentialshopsandestablishmentsto`BreakTheChain’ofthe secondwaveofCOVID-19,mostMumbaikarsareoncehavingtostayand worklargelyfromwithintheconfinesoftheirhomes.FPJaskeditsreaders`Willadaptingtothecurrent`BreakTheChain’restrictionsbeanydifferent foryouthantodailylifeduringthelockdownlastyear?’Here’swhata cross-sectionofMumbaikarshadtosay:
Life
as you know is disrupted all around us. This time, however, the lockdown isn’t as strict as it was last year. For instance, if we step out to buy groceries, vegetables or anything else, there are 12-15 people at the same time. Last year, only 3 people were allowed.
— Gaurang Damani, King’s Circle resident
Lockdowns
are all the same, but what has changed is people's attitude towards it. This lockdown with restrictions is not as effective as it used to be. People are roaming on the streets, travelling in trains, and the biggest advantage they are taking is of public transport. I highly doubt how this new lockdown will curtail the surge in COVID-19 cases in the future.
— Jaimain Makwana, marketing manager
Last
year, the restrictions imposed were duly followed by citizens. Citizens were serious and cautious regarding COVID-19 last year. However, this year citizens are taking things absolutely lightly and are not following BreakTheChain restrictions.
— Naman Tiwari, engineer
In
a way we are more prepared for the BreakTheChain than we were for the Lockdown 2020 series. Logistics are functional now for essentials, but people need to "mind their masks" and not become complacent. Health infrastructure has not improved at all to deal with such situations, and that needs to be done on a priority basis. It would help to have a better strategy in place. It's always better to have restrictions than the complete lockdown which affects the economy badly.
— Prakkash Rohira, advocate
Adapting
to life during the 'BreakTheChain' restrictions announced recently would certainly be different for me than during the lockdown last year. This year, restrictions are not so hard and fast as it was last year. I can move outside home with safety and precautions which wasn't there last year till unlocking was enforced.
— Sandesh Dighe, professor
Ihave
been managing my office work from home since the last lockdown, so any new restrictions announced recently have not made much difference to my lifestyle. My only concern is that we are not able to travel for vacations due to the risk of COVID-19. My family now desperately needs a break.
— Rizwan Coatwala, director, advertising firm
Ithink
most of us have got used to the idea of a lockdown. Many of us have started taking precautions such as working from home, avoiding every day commute by public transport and cancelling travel plans. The new restrictions are much-needed considering the intensity of the pandemic situation. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the restrictions are tightened further.
— Indrajeet Vadagama, documentary content creator
Isee
no difference. Rather, I believe we are going through an extreme hard phase professionally and personally. In the initial months, due to less cases everyone assumed that the situation will improve. However, now since the cases are once again increasing, no one knows what to do. The safety measures like wearing facemask, using sanitiser will continue, but how to revive lost business will be the biggest challenge for everyone.
— Amit Kumar, businessman
For
me, it’s once again a lockdown.
My family members are worried considering the situation, but I still go out for an hour every day. I take my car out or go out for a walk locally. I also spot any civic, traffic and other issues which I then inform the authorities about. That way, I at least pass my time. This year, the lockdown has been lenient, unlike last year when for 3 months there was no movement. Shops that don’t sell essential commodities are also open. It seems as if it’s half-heartedly done by the government. There is a need for drastic measures like last year.
— Nikhil Desai, Matunga resident
It
is different from the lockdown last year, but nothing is going to change until citizens feel all these measures are being taken for their benefit so that they don’t contract the infection. Moreover ‘BreakTheChain’ or other restrictions to curb COVID-19 should not only be for the common public, but everyone from the Prime Minister to those people below the poverty line should follow the rules strictly. People believe if their idols are not following the norms, why should they?
— J it endra Tiwa ri, Nallasopara resident