Is India becoming complacent in Coronavirus fightback?

First Published Jan 5, 2021, 8:50 AM IST

Even before the first Coronavirus vaccine is rolled out in India, are people becoming complacent with regard to the pandemic? Some recent decisions by state and district authorities across the country defy the logic in the fight against Coronavirus.

<p>Even before the first Coronavirus vaccine is rolled out in India, are people becoming complacent with regard to the pandemic? Some recent decisions by state and district authorities across the country defy the logic in the fight against Coronavirus.<br />
 </p>

<p>The new strains of Coronavirus, which have been detected in the country, have been found to be highly transmissible and lethal. <br />
 </p>

<p>The number of new Covid-19 cases may be decreasing, and the fatalities are coming down. But is it really time to throw caution to the wind? Here are some case studies.</p>

Even before the first Coronavirus vaccine is rolled out in India, are people becoming complacent with regard to the pandemic? Some recent decisions by state and district authorities across the country defy the logic in the fight against Coronavirus.

The new strains of Coronavirus, which have been detected in the country, have been found to be highly transmissible and lethal.

The number of new Covid-19 cases may be decreasing, and the fatalities are coming down. But is it really time to throw caution to the wind? Here are some case studies.

<p><strong>Tamil Nadu theatres allowed 100 per cent capacity</strong><br />
 </p>

<p>Buckling before the demand by Tamil actors and theatre owners associations, the Tamil Nadu government has allowed theatres in the state to open with 100 per cent capacity. <br />
 </p>

<p>The relaxation was requested on the grounds that new movies are slated to be released during and after Pongal celebrations. <br />
 </p>

<p>"The seating capacity of Cinemas/theatres/Multiplexes shall be permitted to increase from existing 0% to 100% by following the Standard Operating Procedure issued already. Further, in order to create awareness among the spectators, the precautionary measures for Covid 19 shall also be screened during the showtime," the government order said.<br />
 </p>

<p>Tamil Nadu was one of the states worst-hit by the pandemic. At a time when it is still recovering -- there are 8,127 active cases in the state -- is it prudent to throw open movie halls completely?</p>

Tamil Nadu theatres allowed 100 per cent capacity

Buckling before the demand by Tamil actors and theatre owners associations, the Tamil Nadu government has allowed theatres in the state to open with 100 per cent capacity.

The relaxation was requested on the grounds that new movies are slated to be released during and after Pongal celebrations.

"The seating capacity of Cinemas/theatres/Multiplexes shall be permitted to increase from existing 0% to 100% by following the Standard Operating Procedure issued already. Further, in order to create awareness among the spectators, the precautionary measures for Covid 19 shall also be screened during the showtime," the government order said.

Tamil Nadu was one of the states worst-hit by the pandemic. At a time when it is still recovering -- there are 8,127 active cases in the state -- is it prudent to throw open movie halls completely?

<p><strong>Taj Mahal welcomes 20,000 visitors... in one day</strong><br />
 </p>

<p>The gates of the world-renowned 'monument of love' Taj Mahal were thrown open for visitors on January 1.<br />
 </p>

<p>This after the Archaeological Survey of India lifted the restrictions on the number of visitors introduced in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.<br />
 </p>

<p>According to ASI figures, over 20,000 tickets were issued for January 1. </p>

Taj Mahal welcomes 20,000 visitors... in one day

The gates of the world-renowned 'monument of love' Taj Mahal were thrown open for visitors on January 1.

This after the Archaeological Survey of India lifted the restrictions on the number of visitors introduced in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to ASI figures, over 20,000 tickets were issued for January 1.

<p><strong>Free-for-all in 'tourist hotspot' Goa</strong><br />
 </p>

<p>Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's decision to ignore the Centre's advisory to impose night curfew on New Year's eve saw thousands throng the beaches and crowd the pubs to celebrate.<br />
 </p>

<p>The chief minister's "request" to people to follow SOPs fell on deaf ears. Footage from party hotspots showed people flouting social distancing norms. <br />
 </p>

<p>According to media reports, on December 27 last year, Goa saw its highest footfall of passengers since the lockdown when 11,000 passengers arrived on 72 flights.<br />
 </p>

<p>At last count, Goa had over 850 active Covid-19 cases.</p>

Free-for-all in 'tourist hotspot' Goa

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's decision to ignore the Centre's advisory to impose night curfew on New Year's eve saw thousands throng the beaches and crowd the pubs to celebrate.

The chief minister's "request" to people to follow SOPs fell on deaf ears. Footage from party hotspots showed people flouting social distancing norms.

According to media reports, on December 27 last year, Goa saw its highest footfall of passengers since the lockdown when 11,000 passengers arrived on 72 flights.

At last count, Goa had over 850 active Covid-19 cases.

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