Pani puri a coronavirus super spreader: Kanpur administration

KANPUR: After a brief reprieve, there’s bad news for lovers of pani puri -- the tangy delight, also known as golgappa, batasha or phuchka in various parts of the country -- in the city. Fearing that the crowding and lack of social distancing at 'golgappa' carts might lead to spike in Covid-19 cases, the district administration has banned its sale from Tuesday.
District magistrate Dr Brahmadeo Ram Tiwari said there were inputs that Covid-19 safety norms were being flouted at street food carts after the relaxation in curbs under Unlock 1.0.
It also came to the fore that norms were particularly not followed at the pani puri stalls, where vendors were supposed to wear masks and gloves and follow proper hygiene. Therefore, a decision was taken to ban its sale in the city to prevent further spread of the disease since cases have already been increasing in the state, said officials. The DM said social distancing needs to be maintained strictly at all shops and everyone venturing out should wear a mask.
The pani puri sellers were, however, distraught. Bablu, a vendor in Swaroopnagar, said, “We were wearing masks and gloves, maintaining hygiene in food items we serve. We were also using RO water."
A health official said, “People should refrain from consuming pani puri. If they want to have it, they can purchase puris from outside and make the stuffing and pani at home, which would be a safer option.”