Journalism of Courage
As the lockdown is being lifted gradually across the country in the wake of a decline in coronavirus cases, concerns have been raised over of the violation of Covid-19 protocols. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)
The easing of Covid-related lockdown norms has led to crowding in some markets and other places, with people moving around without facemasks and not maintining social distancing. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)
Taking note of the violations, the Delhi High Court had on Friday warned that a breach of the Covid protocol will only hasten the third wave. The image is of a crowded market in Maharashtra's Thane.(Express photo by Deepak Joshi)
Certain photographs showing sheer disregard for Covid-19 protocols by street vendors in markets of the national capital also prompted the high court to direct the authorities to take strict measures against violators and sensitise shopkeepers regarding the issue. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)
On Saturday, the Centre urged states to ensure the “extremely important” five-fold strategy of Covid-appropriate behaviour, test-track-treat, and vaccination was in place to prevent the spread of the disease. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)
The Centre also asked state and UT governments to step up the speed of vaccination to cover maximum number of people in an expeditious manner. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)
In a letter to all states and Union Territories (UTs), Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla further said while the opening up of activities after decline in cases is essential, states and UTs must ensure the whole process is “carefully calibrated”. This picture is of an overcrowded Sadar Bazar market in New Delhi. (Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)
Meanwhile, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria has also warned that the next wave of the viral infection can strike the country in the next six to eight weeks if Covid-appropriate behaviour is not followed and crowding not prevented. (Express Photo By Pavan Khengre)
Stating that until a sizeable number of the population are vaccinated, Covid-appropriate behaviour needs to be followed aggressively, Guleria stressed on the need for stricter surveillance and area-specific lockdowns in case of a significant surge. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)
Earlier, India's epidemiologists had indicated that a third wave of COVID-19 is inevitable and is likely to start from September-October. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)
Meanwhile, amid warnings of a third wave, huge crowds were witnessed at the inauguration event of the newly built NCP city office near the PMC building in Pune. (Express Photo by Ashish Kale)
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who inaugurated the newly built NCP office, was also seen surrounded by a sea of party workers and supporters at the venue. (Express Photo by Ashish Kale)
