Days after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government extended the dine-in timings for the restaurants, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal announced that restaurant staff should have taken at least the first vaccine shot before reporting to work. He also directed the management to ensure that no working employee can be zero vaccinated.
The Indian Hotel and Restaurants Association (AHAR) welcomed this decision by the civic body and said that this brings much relief to the industry because the earlier guidelines had stated that they would require all employees at restaurants to have taken both the vaccine shots.
Shivanand Shetty, President, AHAR told Mumbai Live, “The announcement by the BMC Commissioner that restaurant staff should have taken at least the first vaccine before reporting to work, brings much relief to the industry as the age group of those in the hospitality industry is largely 18-44 years with many not eligible to take the second jab yet. While we are actively pursuing the setting up vaccine camps at different locations, we will ensure that our staff go for the second vaccine as soon as they are eligible. We don’t want to violate any protocols and would love to welcome our patrons to have a good time and good food in a fully safe and secured environment.”
Moreover, the Maharashtra Government announced multiple relaxations in the coronavirus restrictions across the state. The new SOPs came into effect on August 15.
Share
Tweet
