Corona spread shuts schools, cinemas

As virus spreads, hotel industry too takes a hit; all public, pvt offices, shopping malls to disinfect buildings daily, orders govt

NEWDELHI:AFTER the Delhi government on Thursday declared the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) an epidemic in the city, schools, cinema halls, shopping malls and hotels started implementing preventive steps directed by the administration even if it meant losses for some.

Seventy-four people have tested positive for the coronavirus in India so far, with 14 fresh cases, including a foreign national. Delhi, so far, has had six positive cases.

Experts on Thursday said the Delhi government’s steps were in the right direction and urged it to continue intensive sanitising drives of public transports .

“All major cities abroad take such lockdown measures in case of such a pandemic. The decision to shut movie halls is particularly wise because theatres are a place where people sit in close proximity for prolonged periods. Disinfecting cinema halls becomes all the more difficult because it is dark and gets no sunlight,” said Dr Jugal Kishore, head of the department of community medicine, Safdarjung Hospital.

SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

The Delhi government announced that all educational institutions will remain closed till March 31. Students, however, will be allowed to attend schools, colleges, institutions for exams. All primary schools are already shut as a precautionary measure since March 5.

“In view of the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, the government of NCT of Delhi decided that all educational institutions, i.e, schools, colleges, ITIS, polytechnics (government/aided/ private/mcd/ndmc/delhi centers) shall remain closed till March 31, 2020, except for holding examinations,” said Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisoida in a statement. Teachers and other staff of Delhi government schools will have to report to work.

Following Thursday’s directive, some private schools suspended internal exams for junior classes. In a Whatsapp message to parents, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya said, “This is to inform you that there will be no exam for class 6 tomorrow. School shall be closed till the 31st for them. They are advised to stay at home. Only class 8 to come for exam with parents and leave with parents after the exam...”

Principals in both government and private schools said they were taking precautions to ensure the safety of students who are writing exams. “The CBSE announced students can carry hand sanitisers and face masks to their examination centres. We are also keeping sanitisers. We are sanitising the school daily,” said Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu School in Rohini.

Delhi University also announced suspension of all activities, including internal exams. Students were informed study material will be made available on a weekly basis on their college or department’s website till March 31. “Teachers of the respective courses shall remain available as per the time table through e-resources,” a DU statement read.

Officials at Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia said they were yet to receive any communication from the government. “We have already advised students to avoid public gatherings and take precautions. We have not received any order for the cancellation of classes from the HRD ministry,” said JNU registrar Pramod Kumar.

MOVIE HALLS SHUT

The administration’s decision to shut all cinema halls till March 31 came as a surprise to many in the industry even though all of them agreed to abide by the directive to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The managements of several multiplexes said it is the first time cinema halls will be shut for almost three weeks in Delhi.

Several cinema halls and multiplexes confirmed to HT of having received the government’s closure order. “We received the order on today (Thursday) evening. While today’s night shows will continue, we are offering refunds to all those who booked tickets with us for Friday or the weekend,” said a spokesperson of INOX.

PVR Limited said the company “fully respects” the decision. “We believe this is a temporary situation and remain buoyant about the film business in India, and our own growth prospects...,” it said in a statement.

The management of several cinema halls said they had increased the frequency of housekeeping. “Disinfectants are being used for sanitising and wiping all touch points like food counter tops, box office counters, armrests, grab rails, door handles and knobs, light switches and other frequently used equipment,” said the INOX spokesperson.

HOTEL BUSINESS DOWN

The city’s hotel industry has taken a hit with tourists scrapping plans and even corporate bookings getting cancelled.

Hotel owners said their business worsened after India Wednesday suspended most visas from Friday till April 15.

Areas such as Paharganj, Karol Bagh and Mahipalpur, known for cheap or budget accommodations, have seen sharp decline in the demand for rooms. In Paharganj, cafes and restro-bars have seen low footfall over the past one week.

“Holi time is the season for brisk business. But this year, our rooms are empty. Even group tour bookings have seen a decline of more than 50%,” said Arun Gupta, general secretary of the Delhi Hotel Association.

Mahipalpur in South Delhi, a popular destination for tourists, especially those in transit due to its proximity to the airport, is recording low business.

“The government directive of not granting visas resulted to at least a dozen cancellations in my hotel alone. Even local bookings for weddings are getting cancelled or postponed. We have no clue how long will this phase of coronovirus scare continue,” said a Dinesh Khanna, an owner of multiple hotels in Mahipalpur.

MALLS

The L-G and the Delhi government on Thursday made it mandatory for all public and private offices and shopping malls to disinfect their buildings every day.

An official of South Delhi’s Select Citywalk mall said the management had taken steps to spread awareness. “We have put out communication through signs and leaflets at various locations. Additionally, there has been placement of hand sanitizers at all entrances, washrooms and entrance lobbies. A communication has been sent to the retailers in the shopping centre to keep hand sanitizers at the store entrances,” said a senior official of the mall.