It must be said that the weekly markets that come up in various cities on a particular day of the week, are very popular with Goans. These markets draw large crowds as citizens stock up on dry fish, condiments and other essential food items for the rainy season.
The most famous of the weekly markets is of course the Friday market at Mapusa. Then the Thursday market at Pernem, the Sunday market at Vasco among others. It must be said that given the sheer crowd that these markets draw, it is impossible to maintain social distancing. Several vendors at these markets come from other states which have seen a spurt in Covid cases. As there is no check at the border, there could be carriers of the virus who could transmit it to the people buying the goods.
Many are seen wearing the mask improperly on the chin which amounts to not wearing the mask at all. It will be very difficult for the authorities to keep a check on the people who are flouting the Covid-19 protocol. In order to prevent any eventuality, it would be advisable for the authorities to suspend these weekly markets temporarily till such time that some normality descends in the State.
