The virus is no longer in the forefront. This is not to say it is not around. Cases
are still being reported. Not in the thousands for sure but on the rare day it
can be disconcertingly high. The rhythm of daily life may not be hectic like it
was two years ago but it is certainly not as bad as it was even a year ago.
Restaurants, pubs, hotels and cinema halls are buzzing with activity. Weddings
are taking place with the usual fervor one associates with such occasions. The
pubs and nightclubs play host to raucous parties over the weekends. People are
out in numbers. The domestic tourists are here in large numbers generating good
business for the tourism industry. Various state governments have eased
restrictions like wearing masks or maintaining social distance. The State
government has removed all restrictions. It all seems very nice. But health
experts believe it is perhaps a little too early to do away with masks with the
virus still existing.
For people in the hospitality industry and service industry,
this was a situation they felt that still needed to be tackled with
commonsense. Joseph of Inox Cinema said unless and until they received
instructions in writing from the collector, they would continue to follow the
regulations put in place to fight the virus. He said “We would like our guests
to wear masks, provide proof they are double vaccinated. Sanitization booths
are made available and we also conduct a thermal check.” He however said the
theatres were now selling all the seats for all the shows. This move was
initiated following a decision taken by the State government to ease up on
sanctions.
Padma Nair who runs a star hotel on the coast said, he was
insisting on his guests wearing the masks while in the hotel. He said he had
also warned the guests of action by the police if they did not wear a mask.
Business he said was slow and not as good as what it was last month. But he
said he was hanging on and it was important to ensure these precautions were
followed to ensure the virus did not return with a vengeance to cause havoc.
However Savio Messias, a hotelier said there was no
implementation of the regulations because the government departments did not
consider the situation serious enough to warrant such action. He said “What is
the point in implementing such regulations, now I would leave it to the people
to decide if they want to follow it or not. Nobody is serious about wearing a
mask. Now there are public gatherings taking place every day without any social
distance being followed. In such a situation, do you think a few people
following regulations will make any difference? Might as well relax it.”
Anuj the manager of a star restaurant in Panjim said the staff
was still following all the regulations. He said many of the guests were not
wearing masks because the government of the state they were coming in had
decided that it was not necessary to wear masks while in public. He said “They
said they were on holiday and were not keen on wearing masks. Our staff
sanitise the table before any guests will sit. We have sanitisers at the
entrance. We are doing our bit to ensure everyone has a enjoyable and safe
time”
Nilesh Shah the President of TTAG said the industry was very clear
they would follow the guidelines. He said “It is better to take the precautions
now instead of suffering later”
Perhaps the most revealing answer was given by Shekhar Salkar
who said it was important to avoid being in situations where one could be exposed
to danger. He said “Those who are elderly or sick or diabetic are at high risk.
They must take care of themselves. They should talk to their doctors and take
the necessary steps. Yes, the virus is at a low point now and it is not
mandatory for everyone to wear a mask but when you are going out it would make
sense to wear it. When I go on my medical rounds, I wear a mask. People should
be smart and read between the lines.”
Perhaps
it would be prudent for everyone to wear masks in situations where they could
be exposed to the virus or its variant. Better to be safe than sorry.
