Opening Hotels and Restaurants: A Step Forward for Economic Recovery in India

India's Government of India (GoI) has given the green light to the resumption of hotels and restaurants starting from June 8, 2020. While this development signals a progress towards economic recovery, several important considerations and concerns must be addressed to ensure public safety and effective containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Context and Cautions of Reopening

The decision to reopen hotels and restaurants comes at a critical time when partial lockdowns are lifting, and businesses are gradually returning to operations. However, the situation remains delicate, as the virus continues to pose a significant threat. It is imperative that the government insists on partial rather than full lockdowns moving forward. Emphasizing social distancing measures and hygiene protocols is non-negotiable to mitigate the risk of a resurgence of the virus.

Proper Scrutiny for Hotels

Given the diverse nature of the hospitality industry, a phased approach for re-opening seems prudent. Hotels must be scrutinized before they can resume operations. This ensures that appropriate sanitation and safety measures are in place for both staff and guests. Initially, travelers for business purposes may require accommodation, providing a starting point for the resumption of hotel operations.

Conditional Resumption for Restaurants

While restaurants may continue to offer delivery services, a gradual reintroduction of dine-in options under strict safety guidelines is advisable. Implementing configurations such as staggering seating arrangements and enforcing mask-wearing policies should be mandatory to prevent the spread of the virus. Malls and other large commercial spaces should remain closed for a while longer, aiming to open around August 2020 when basic social distancing practices may have become more ingrained in public behavior.

Government's Alignment with Public Health Guidelines

The government's initial orders indicated that hotels and restaurants would only be allowed to reopen in September 2020. However, an early June 8, 2020, decision raises questions about the reasons behind the change. The standard operating procedures (SOPs) that these industries must comply with have yet to be disclosed. The mandatory use of masks has been in place, which poses a practical challenge for dining in. It is crucial that safety protocols are robust and clearly communicated to both patrons and service staff to ensure they can operate safely.

Need for Transparent Communication

The Indian government must explain the rationale behind the early re-opening of hotels and restaurants, particularly when there are still concerns about the virus's potential spread. The public deserves to understand whether the government believes the initial social distancing measures were effective or if new protocols are in place to address existing gaps.

Ensuring Public Safety and Reassurance

Hotels and restaurants currently fall short in adhering to basic prevention guidelines for the containment of COVID-19. Reopening without proper oversight risks becoming a vector for the spread of the virus. The government bears the responsibility to ensure that these businesses can operate effectively while safeguarding public health. Clear SOPs, stringent monitoring, and public communication are vital to building confidence among the populace. By taking a cautious and thoughtful approach, the Indian government can gradually bring back normalcy to the hospitality sector without compromising public safety.