HYDERABAD: Within two weeks after resumption of business post lockdown, revellers walking into Hyderabad’s pubs say that most of them are not complying with mandatory Covid-19 norms. A video being widely circulated on social media shows that not only are guests being allowed to take off their masks once indoors, but there is also no social distancing being followed within the premises. The video reveals only about one or two guests with masks.
“You can clearly see that people have absolutely no fear of contracting the virus or even the safety of their family members or friends. We should remember that Covid-19 is still not over. Even the staff at some of these places are not wearing their masks properly,” said Ravi Kuma, a communications manager at an IT firm, who recently stepped into a club in Jubilee Hills.
Although most of these places’ have checks for masks and temperature in place at entrance, guests say the problem starts once inside. “Right now, there is no monitoring of how many customers can enter. There is also no restriction on dance floors. We have all lost someone we know in the first two waves and that shouldn’t be forgotten,” said Nithin Bharadwaj, who also complained about a pub in the IT corridor being overcrowded.
While pub owners refused to comment, authorities assured to take strict action against erring outlets. “We have not received any complaints so far, but since it has come to our notice now, we will definitely check. In case, there are any such places, we will directly book a case against them under Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 188 of IPC and other applicable laws,” said Gachibowli SHO G Suresh.
Meanwhile, doctors said that such violations are ideal for the spread of the virus, destroying the gains made over the past few weeks in the fight against the pandemic. “The second wave happened because many people thought it was okay to not follow Covid-19 norms after the cases came down during the first wave. If we make the same mistake again, there will be a third wave in the next couple of months, even before the second wave is over,” Dr Lohith Reddy, a doctor working at Covid-19 ward in Gandhi Hospital told TOI.
