We don’t need that again

The Karnataka government has decided to ban New Year parties and gatherings as an attempt to control the spread of the Omicron variant of the Covid virus. The CM said no parties or mass gatherings would be allowed between December 30 and January 2. Now Goa which is in the midst of its tourism season which results in a dramatic surge in the number of visitors from all over the place could also face a problem with a surge in cases. Presently there are no cases reported in the state apart from the five who came in from the UK. One has to remember that last Christmas and New Year, the state authorities did not enforce any testing and that resulted in the second wave eventually coming into the state which caused much damage.
For hoteliers in the state the prospect of another lockdown may be the last thing on their mind. After two awful years they are now enjoying good business thanks to the surge in domestic tourists. Tito Goes Proenca, a hotelier said it was important that everyone take responsibility and ensure the sops were followed. He said “It is mandatory that these sops be followed. If the situation changes then a decision will have to be taken on 30 or 31st. but then that will have to depend if the positivity rate has crossed 5 %. Parties cannot be held in an air conditioned room but outside. It is the same for parties. Personally, my hotel is not a party destination but we will remain vigilant.”
Nilesh Shah President TTAG said there was no scare as yet in India over the variant. That however did not mean everyone was free to do what they wanted he said. He said “Covid is here to stay and we have learned to do business in such an environment in a safe manner. If extra precautions have to be taken following an increase in case then the necessary steps can be taken and restrictions put in place. The season has been good so far thanks to all the domestic tourists coming in large numbers and I hope that remain unaffected and everyone has a wonderful festival season”
Savio Messias hotelier and former President of the TTAG felt right now there was no need to panic. He said “If a party has to be cancelled it can be done later. There has not been a case registered in Goa apart from the 5 who came in from the UK. I think the government should review after Christmas. If the positivity rate has increased and touched 5 % then yes perhaps the government should do what is necessary. Right now we are Omicron free and let’s hope it remains that way”. He however questioned the futility of such a move when thousands of people were still walking on the beaches of Goa without following the sops.
For the man who is part of the advisory committee to the state government this variant will have to be watched closely. Shekhar Salkar said “As experts we have given our suggestions. If it increases to five percent then yes, the government will have to curb it. As of today it is around 2 percent on average so it’s ok. Everyone will have to do their bit and follow the protocols. Most of us have been well protected due to the double shots but we have to stay vigilant. I hope when people step out during the festive season they follow the protocols.”
Another owner of a small hotel who did not want to come on record said if the variant struck Goa and the cases went over five percent, it would mean hotels being shut again and possibly resulting in more shut downs or even being sold off. That was a scenario no one wanted to ever see become a reality.
One can only hope the season moves along smoothly without an increase in cases. The industry has suffered over the last two years and it will be to no one’s benefit that such a scenario becomes a reality.