KARACHI: The government decision to tighten the lockdown during the weekend registered a passive public response here on Saturday as while most major markets were closed, people were still out and about, most with less than adequate precautionary measures.

It was due to steady increase in the number of people testing positive for novel coronavirus that the provincial authorities had decided to keep people indoors on Saturday and Sunday, hence only pharmacies, grocery stories besides shops selling milk and dairy products were allowed to remain open.

Public buses or wagons, as per government directives, were not on the roads while most of the major markets and commercial centres were also closed. However, this did not deter many from coming out of their homes.

“I have a 9 to 5 job and all five working days therefore [I] can do my essential shopping either on Saturday or Sunday,” said Akhlaq Ahmed who thought the official decision was “inappropriate”.

The man, along with his eight-year-old son, visiting a departmental store located close to his residence, said that he and many like him do try to follow social distancing with due regard towards use of masks and gloves.

He, however, reiterated that the vast majority of the citizens may not be in a position to purchase gloves and masks at regular intervals.

Rush around commercial outlets in different neighbourhoods was a grim reminder that people are yet to fully realise the intensity of the situation and were even willing to brave the heat so as to establish that viral infection posed no threat to them.

“What is being ignored is that they are not only exposing themselves but also turning themselves [into] a risk for others,” said Dr Shafiq Ahmed.

Traffic flow was comparatively thin due to regular checking on all major thoroughfares.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2020