Fearing Another Lockdown Amid COVID, People Are Panic Buying, Saving Money And Leaving Cities
The central government has ruled out another nationwide lockdown and has put the onus on states to impose local restrictions if necessary, even as COVID-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate across India.
Most of the big cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru have already imposed partial restrictions on movement with night curfews.
And this has resulted in people going into a panic mode, fearing that there is going to be a total lockdown, something that unleashed absolute chaos in 2020.
While the nationwide lockdown caught the majority off guard last year, people want to be prepared this year.
Maharashtra worst-affected
It is most visible in Maharashtra, the worst-affected state in India due to COVID-19.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has confirmed that a lockdown will be imposed and asked people to be mentally prepared for it.
Though no specific dates have been announced yet, it is believed that it could happen this week itself.
This has made many rush to markets and neighborhood stores to stock essential supplies.
Most shops in the state, including those dealing in essential supplies, were shut in the weekend. These shops reopened on Monday amid a rush of people, who stocked up on groceries for the next few days, fearing lockdown.
Migrants wanting to leave?
Amid concerns of another migrant worker exodus from the state, in case a lockdown is announced, state labour minister Hasan Mushrif has recommended financial assistance for them through the Building and Other Construction Workers (BoCW) board.
Delhi not faring well too
In the national capital too, there is growing speculation about a lockdown in the wake of the rise in new infections.
According to several shopkeepers, they are seeing an increase in demand for everyday items including food and oil, as people are stocking up before lockdown.
Many also complain that they have not been able to refill the shelves as the wholesalers are hoarding the goods to sell them at high prices in case of a lockdown.
While grocery stores are seeing an increase in demand, others like meat sellers have seen their business declining, to nearly half.
Some blamed this drop in business on lockdown fears as people have started spending more carefully.
They also said that chicken prices are on the rise as poultry farms have reduced production fearing another lockdown.
