Several markets/shops stood out for social distancing in contrast to the total chaos seen at most places in Assam through the day on the third day of the nationwide lockdown.

At Gopal Boro High School field here, vegetables were sold with the help of administration at affordable prices with social distancing being maintained.

The authorities distributed the goods in mobile vans at Gopal Boro High School field and seven other places in the city.

A district official said, “With Rs 20, one can purchase minimum vegetables. We bought three tonnes of vegetables for the day and these were provided to the people who maintained a distance of one metre.”

At the Bihutoli vegetable market in Morigaon town in Morigaon district, the administration arranged for the buyers to stand at a distance of one metre each with bamboo barricades and by marking circles.

Neelofar Hussain, a resident of Morigaon, said, “It is good that the administration has organised social distancing and is maintaining personal hygiene at this market. Everybody’s hands are covered with gloves and buyers are standing inside the circle marks.”

Nagaon police tweeted: “We appeal to all human species, plz maintain social distance like we do. from Human Welfare wing of All Kaziranga Animal Assn. (AKAA) In pics — AAKA members demonstrating social distancing.@assampolice @DGPAssamPolice @gpsinghassam @GolaghatPolice #Lockdown21”.

Assam’s additional director-general of police (law and order) G.P. Singh, while sharing the tweet, said people have a lot to learn from the animal kingdom.

Sivasagar police, while sharing some pictures of markets in the town, tweeted: “Sincere Efforts to maintain Social Distancing in Sivasagar town”.

Isawanda Laloo, deputy commissioner of South West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, tweeted, “Social distancing & mandatory handwashing in market areas around the district. With sufficient awareness being made & enforcement, we hope people adapt to these arrangements — vital for us to protect ourselves, while ensuring people do not suffer for want of essential commodities.”

She also shared a picture of people following social distancing at Mawkyrwat market.