Casual attitude may increase cases post festivities

While inaugurating the endless list of Durga pandals, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee insisted on maintaining Covid protocols, but to everyone’s surprise the pandemic protocols seemed to have gone for a toss.

Large gatherings without masks seemed to be the order on Saturday in both North and South Kolkata.

When exhorted, a section of people refused to wear masks and had several alibis to sustain their claims.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Health department issued an advisory urging people not to take part in any gatherings including Sindur Khela and other processions.

“The sick people including aged people, children and pregnant women should strictly remain indoors to avoid complications. No one should venture outside without mask and should maintain distance,” read the state government’s health advisory.

Though several puja committees claimed that they had organised their puja abiding to the protocols as instructed by Calcutta High Court and state government, in many cases the organisers even failed to manage the crowds or convince revellers to wear masks.

Dr Sajal Biswas of Doctors’ Organisation of West Bengal says that the active cases are sure to rise.

“The rule of allowing doubly jabbed people for sindoor khela and pushpanjali is totally unscientific. Even after two doses, people are getting affected. Mask and social distancing are the only two ways to avoid the spread of viruses. Vaccines can only control the severity of the disease. Durga Pujas should have been totally stopped during the pandemic. The third wave is sure to hit us, if we are not careful.”