Pune: Even though the state government has allowed reopening of hotels, lodges and guest houses with 33 per cent capacity, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is not ready to go ahead with its implementation in the city. In view of the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases, PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar has conveniently put the ball in state government’s court saying that they will take a final decision only after ‘consulting’ with the state government.
As part of Phase 5 of Mission Begin Again, the state government had allowed hotels, lodges and guest houses to operate from July 6. As per the state government’s guidelines, these establishments can operate only outside containment zones of hotspots like Pune and Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Many hoteliers in the city were hopeful that soon normalcy would return to their businesses. But the sudden announcement of 10-day strict lockdown by the PMC on July 10 sent shock waves among the hoteliers and restaurateurs community in the city.
Now after the strict lockdown has ended, and also the relaxed-lockdown phase ending on July 31, hoteliers in the city are hopeful that they will be allowed to conduct business by the local civic administration. When asked about this, PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar cited the rising number of cases and varying opinions about restarting hotels.
Kumar said, “We have revised the containment zones recently. Although the number of containment zones has come down to 87 from the previous 109, the total area under it has increased. During the recent 10-day strict lockdown the daily tests of COVID-19 were increased which has resulted in a large number of COVID-19 positive patients being identified. As of today, 5,500 patients are home quarantined and the same number of patients are admitted in COVID Care Centres. Considering these numbers, there are contrary opinions about reopening of hotels, guest houses and parks. We are holding discussions with various stakeholders and will take a final decision on it only after consulting with the state government.”
