Curfew Relaxed, People Tense

Practical issues and health concerns nag public

- Kamanthi Wickramasinghe

The Government’s moves to relax curfew in most areas on Monday, April 20, drew a varied public response. While long queues were seen at liquor shops, many buses were packed with commuters, despite guidelines on physical distancing. queues maintaining a minimum one-metre gap were rarely seen. The most number of COVID-19 positive cases were also reported on Monday, apart from one case in Piliyandala. Later, the curfew in high-risk areas was extended.

However, the government had already decided when schools and universities would reopen, and when Parliamentary Elections would be held. These decisions are currently being reviewed. But there’s much uncertainty ahead.

BUSES PACKED

When the curfew was relaxed, pictures of passengers packed into buses went viral on social media. Although the Transport Minister decided to cancel the licenses of buses that did not follow Health Ministry guidelines, certain practical issues, were apparent.

“We have asked passengers to maintain their distance when they queue up to get into buses,” Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Deputy General Manager H.A. Panduka said.

“A photo of a Deniyaya-Kataragama bus went viral, and as soon as we got the news, we alerted the nearest checkpoint. Crowds had boarded the bus in Hungama, and extra passengers were asked to get down at Nonagama.

“Although we told passengers to sit in a zigzag pattern, a mother would want to sit beside her child. We have informed all SLTB regional managers to ensure safety guidelines. We feel people still don’t understand the gravity of the situation when seeing how they behave.”

On the safety of crews, Mr. Panduka said buses were being disinfected and drivers and conductors were given face masks.