Chennai: Covid surge puts spotlight on crowding

Chennai: The spike in cases has put the focus back on public places and crowding. While the state has ruled out a complete lockdown for now, officials are working to bring down cases without affecting the economy. At an expert medical committee meeting on Tuesday, officials analysed reasons for the surge and planned a road map to curb the spread of Covid-19 and strengthen Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for workplaces.

A statement from chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan after the meeting said malls and mulitplexes would be subject to further restrictions if they do not strictly adhere to the guidelines.

The expert committee said ‘Covid fatigue’ had set in among the public, resulting in violation of Covid rules. This has led to the surge in cases and clusters. It advised the state to expedite the vaccination drive.

“Ever since we resumed operations after lockdown, we have been following the SOPs as advised by the government. We have not slackened in between and will continue to follow them,” said a spokesperson for The Chennai Silks in T Nagar, the shopping hub of the city.

Several establishments have set up speakers broadcasting mask compliance and social distancing reminders. “Many large establishments have already shut some branches due to revenue loss and it is only in our best interests if we follow all SOPs,” the spokesperson said.

Phoenix market city and Palladium, Velachery, has adhered to all mandated SOPs since re-opening, said mall director Pooja Patti. “Additionally, we are also taking preventive steps and working with the Chennai corporation to vaccinate our frontliners. Today, our retail partners and staff received their first Covaxin shot,” said Patti.

Social distancing norms are often flouted in spaces like Marina beach and at political campaigns. Officials also have a close eye on cinema halls and multiplexes, where people gather in a closed environment for at least three hours.

“We have been following all government rules till date across the state. Sanitisers, temperature checks, social distancing, wearing masks — all the requisite conditions are fulfilled,” said Tiruppur M Subramaniam, president, Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners’ Association.

Unlike companies, colleges and schools where contacts can be traced, it is difficult to conduct such an exercise in public spaces. Hence, the onus lies with the organisers, establishment managers and the public themselves to follow norms, said a city corporation official.