Reopening of Malls, Markets: Some guidelines grossly ignored

On the first day of the reopening of some markets in the capital yesterday amid the Covid-19 outbreak, many shoppers and store staffers were found to have flouted the directives of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, laying people's health safety on the line.

DMP on May 7 issued at least 12 directives for the city dwellers who would visit shopping malls and markets during the pandemic in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.

Visiting different markets in Islampur, Dhanmondi, Panthopath, Nilkhet, Science Lab intersection and Elephant Road area, these correspondents found that the DMP directives were blatantly disregarded in almost everywhere.

Besides, roadside vendors were seen selling dresses in the footpaths near Gausia Market, New Market, and Baitul Mokarrom area where most of the buyers and sellers seemed oblivious to the health directives.

Shoppers enter a market in Gulistan through a booth that sprays disinfectants on them. Photo: Rashed Shumon, Anisur Rahman

Public health experts think if this situation goes on, more people will get infected with Covid-19 in the coming days, which will be difficult for the government to tackle.

Talking to this correspondent, a public health expert, also a member of the eight-member expert panel formed by the government to assist the health ministry to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak, said they recommended that markets and shopping malls should not be opened before Eid, considering it would be difficult for the authorities to make people follow the health directives.

Presence of police personnel in front of different markets was thin while no other agencies of the government were seen ensuring health safety guidelines.

 Many buyers and sellers were seen roaming without masks many shops were running without hand sanitisers for customers.

Shoppers did not even follow the DMP directive that asked them not to visit markets, shops and shopping malls located beyond two kilometres from the areas they live in.

DMP also asked shoppers to bring their identity cards or original copies of utility bills, but staffs of different markets said it was not possible for many customers as most of them live in rented houses.

Despite the government announcement for opening markets on a limited scale, most shopping malls, including the two biggest ones -- Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park, in Dhaka, Chattogram and other major cities have decided not to reopen at present as the number of Covid-19 cases has been spiralling.

Fourteen people died with coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours till yesterday, taking the death toll to 228 while 887 tested positive for Covid-19 during this period. This is the highest number of infections detected throughout the country so far. With the latest, the total number of infected has reached 14,657.

Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Helal Uddin said most of the shopping malls and markets, including the busiest ones in Gulistan, Bangabazar and Mirpur areas will remain closed until Eid.

On May 4, the government decided to reopen shopping malls, all types of shops and other businesses from May 10 on a limited scale ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.

The shops and markets would remain open from 10:00am to 4:00pm every day, according to a gazette from the cabinet division.

DMP asked to install disinfection tunnels or chambers at the entrance of every shopping mall.

Is also asked market associations to set up thermal scanners to measure body temperature, but this correspondent didn't find any such measures while visiting different markets in Dhanmondi, Elephant Road, and New Market area.

However, a disinfection tunnel was seen in front of a market in Islampur area.

The DMPs instructions to ensure a separate temperature measurement system at all shops was also not seen in those markets.

DMP's other instructions included barring someone without a mask from entering the markets, putting up banners illustrating the importance of following health safety and social distancing guidelines.

None of these directives was maintained.  

However, few shops on Elephant Road area didn't allow more customers beyond their capacity to conduct business maintaining the distance.

Some people visited the markets with their children, violating the government's health guidelines.

DEMONSTRATION

Shop staff of Gausia Market staged demonstrations and blocked Mirpur Road for an hour yesterday demanding their arrears and the reopening of the market.

The agitating workers took to the streets in front of Gausia Market at around 11:00am, said a witness.

Jewel Molla, president of Shramik Kormochari Union, said most of the shop owners did not pay arrears of the workers and kept the markets shut, reports UNB. "How'll the workers survive during this coronavirus pandemic?" he said.