Caution creeps in as Eid shoppers sense 4th wave

Anticipating strict lockdown measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, which changed the global lifestyle, citizens have amped up their preparations for Eid-ul-Azha.

The majority has already bought the sacrificial animals with the religious festival just around the corner amid the fourth wave of covid-19.

This year, purchasing the sacrificial animal has been a difficult task as a majority of the people showed increased caution about the health risks posed by the new wave.

In view of health hazards, many are considering buying the animals online.

Aliya Khan, a mother of three children said, "I have finished shopping for my family fearing the probable increase in the rush of people in the coming days and the risks of another wave”.

Talking to APP, she said: "It is difficult to do excessive shopping during the prevailing price hike and we also have to buy a sacrificial animal so we are focusing on buying the most essential items".

Shagufta Mehmood, a working woman who lives in a joint family system, said: "Seven members of our family have gone through the coronavirus symptoms during the third wave of covid-19 so we are more careful on this occasion".

"We have completed our shopping for Eid through different websites of brands and decided to perform the ritual of sacrificing animals online this time as we cannot compromise on family's health," she said.

Waseem Khan, a government employee said although the COVID-19 has affected the businesses of many and has made me realize the fact that my job with a fixed salary is a blessing for me due to which I will be able to celebrate this Eid with the same spirit.

"I have purchased the sacrificial animal through an online site and my kids are very excited to spend a good time with the animal, decorating and feeding it," he said.

The citizens have been warned of the fourth wave of COVID-19 but the local markets were not complying with any of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to stay safe from this virus", Kamran Ali, who lives near Karachi Company said.

“Majority of the people are thronging to the markets these days for Eid shopping and ignoring the SOPs completely which can pose serious health risks to them and others,” he said. APP