Many people were seen roaming about in Dhubri’s orange zone without wearing masks or maintaining social distance early in the morning.

The district administration has allowed people to go out to buy the essential commodities such as medicines and grocery items between 9am and 4pm.

Although only 67 retailers and 55 wholesalers (including 24 shops for home delivery) have been allowed to operate within Dhubri town, several other shops have also opened.

A police official said, “We are fed up of telling people to stay at home. They don’t listen to us even when we plead with them that maintaining social distancing is a must as five Covid-19 positive patients have so far been detected in the district. They argue with us when we stop them and create a nuisance.”

A medical officer said lockdown is the only way to check the spread of the virus. But it depends on how the restrictions are being implemented.

A large number of women and other customers also thronged different branches of banks in Dhubri town.

The rush to withdraw cash increased significantly on Monday, after the Union government credited Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 each to the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samaan Yojna (PMKSY).