Onus on citizens as Andhra Pradesh opens

Amaravati: From today a new phase begins in the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh as the State gears up to throw itself open to normal activity in every sense. Now begins the tough time for the State - keeping a tab on COVID-19 which largely depends on the people's attitude now.

Andhra Pradesh has gone ahead and taken a stand that it is better to open the markets and begin the churn of the economic activity in full throttle. The restrictions on the movement of people has almost been lifted now and there is not much to stop them from hitting the streets. Inter-district movement has also begun as well as the inter-State though with some regulations.

The flow of people from other States as well as other countries has also become routine. In fact, the State Government is eagerly awaiting the return of the skilled hands that have gone back to their native places in the midst of the lockdown crisis.

On the 8th of this month, lakhs of schoolchildren are expected to go to schools to give measurements for school dress which the Government supplies now. The other activity - collection of books and study material will also begin now in full swing. The markets are thrown open fully though with caution and conditions.

Malls are getting open though not fully operational. Hotels and restaurants are bracing to attract customers in the State. Saloons are open already. Religious activity is also set to begin. Temples are to open though with social distancing norms. No 'teertham and prasadam and satari', the Centre has declared and hence it would be followed, no doubt. The TTD is also experimenting with 'limited' numbers.

This is the time the Government needs people's cooperation. "No one will be bestowing a favour on us. It is in fact, for everyone's good. We have to live with corona as the Chief Minister has rightly pointed at some time back. We cannot confine ourselves to our homes due to lockdown. The economy has to open up and life has to get going.

This is a phase when people got to take care of themselves with abundant precautions," points out a senior official leading the anti-COVID-19 fight in the State. No doubt, AP is topping the list of 'tests per million' in the country with 8,171 as on Saturday. Yet, it is going to be a long haul. And as the officials say "people's will is crucial" now.