Mangaluru: A mad rush was seen across Mangaluru city after the three-day complete lockdown was relaxed for a few hours, allowing people to make their essential purchases on Tuesday.
The people were allowed to venture out to purchase essential items between 6 am to 3 pm.
With this, a large number of people were seen lining up at vegetable shops, grocery stores, chicken and meat stalls in a bid to stock up food and other essential items.
In several places, social distancing was maintained as customers were made to stand in their allocated places. The Mangaluru City Corporation took up the responsibility of ensuring that the social distancing is followed without fail in public places.
At Kadri market and at a few other places, customers were given chairs to sit along the edge of the road. However, a few refused to use chairs stating that even chairs can be a mode of coronavirus transmission.
Fruits, vegetables and other essential commodities vanished from the store racks within a few hours as people were seen purchasing item wondering if the lockdown will end on April 14.
Meanwhile, the district administration has warned of seizing the vehicles and filing criminal cases against those who wandering in streets unnecessarily after 3 pm today.
As a precautionary measure to stop spreading COVID-19, Dakshina Kannada district was completely lockdown on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
No fish was available in the markets due to a ban on fishing and many fish lovers seemed disappointed. However, long queues were seen outside chicken and meat stalls.
While some were seen wearing masks, others were seen covering their faces with pieces of cloth. There were some places where people refused to follow any guidelines.
