Covid cases go up in West Bengal but most keep masks down

KOLKATA: With the number of new cases spiralling in Bengal, Covid protocol is being revived at some public places and transport systems. But there are still some who are yet to start implementing the restrictions.
The mandatory use of masks at malls and cinemas during the first three waves ensured they did not turn into Covid hot spots. But with the relaxation of rules, malls have slackened their vigil.

Most city malls that had won plaudits for strictly enforcing masks, hand washing, and social distancing norms have led their guard down, citing difficulty in enforcing the rules in public places in the absence of government regulations. Malls, though, are private properties and operators can deny entry to those deemed a hazard to the public.
“From May, when Covid guidelines were relaxed by the government, we also eased our vigil. While the security personnel at the entrance are requesting visitors to wear masks, we are not enforcing it. While a handful of patrons are still wearing masks, an overwhelming majority have ditched it. We will consider reintroducing masks if numbers rise,” said South City mall vice-president Manmohan Bagree.
At Acropolis, too, norms were relaxed around April-end. “Social distancing had been dumped long ago. Now, around 10%-15% of customers wear masks. But they are primarily elderly people. I rarely see a youngster sporting a mask,” said Acropolis general manager K Vijayan.
While the staff at the South City mall are still required to wear masks, at Quest, the authorities have left it to individual discretion. “Since there is no circular on the issue, we are not asking anyone to wear masks. If and when fresh guidelines are issued, we will comply,” said South City mall vice-president Sanjeev Mehra.
Though strict enforcement is not there in cinema halls either, compliance is better, with around 20%-25% wearing masks. “Our staff are still sporting masks. We also request guests to wear them. We have not let our guard down and continue to sanitize the halls after every show,” said Inox regional director (east) Amitava Guha Thakurta. Inox operates over 60 screens in the state, most of which are in Kolkata.
Metro Railway has started urging passengers to wear masks through announcements. Several bars in central Kolkata, too, have decided to renew safety measures in the wake of the rising cases. The industry suffered massive losses as F&B outlets remained shut for several months during the first and the second wave. Business took a long time to pick even after the restrictions were relaxed.
“Safety measures are being renewed, including wearing masks and regular sanitization of the premises,” said Sandeep Sehgal of Broadway hotel on GC Avenue.
Many bars and eateries are sending employees whose precautionary dose is due to get the shot. “We are ensuring that every employee is fully vaccinated,” said the manager of a bar and restaurant on Waterloo Street.
Private hospitals have again made masks mandatory on the premises. “We have stepped up vigil,” said Peerless Hospital CEO Sudipta Mitra.