First unlock Sunday: Social distancing, safety measures go for a toss in Chennai – Times of India

CHENNAI: The city on the first lockdown-free Sunday, after several weeks, witnessed usual crowds at meat, fish and vegetable markets where maintaining physical distancing had been a task, even during the lockdown.
The addition to the crowded areas seems to be the playgrounds.

Somasundaram ground in T Nagar and the Gopalapuram ground witnessed a predominantly young crowd, reminiscent of the pre-pandemic times, flouting all physical distancing norms. Some of them were seen not wearing face masks too, despite strict warnings from civic body and police.

Kasimedu fishing harbour returned to its old ways with a buzz of activity. “It was like any other Sunday at Kasimedu. Even during the lockdown and with an array of restrictions such as limited working timings, physical distancing used to be non-existent,” a resident said.

As places of worship reopened after five months, people were seen visiting temples and churches, with their families.
At the St Patrick’s church near Alandur, separate entry and exit ways were arranged and strict physical distancing was ensured. Traffic, in most parts of the city, was like on a normal Sunday. However, in few areas such as Loop road near Marina beach, slow-moving heavy traffic was witnessed.