Rising cases of the coronavirus are once again forcing the government to tighten restrictions on social gatherings. People not wearing masks in public are being fined, and state-run universities are resorting to distance learning wherever outbreaks have occurred. But Prime Minister Imran Khan says, “we will not close down businesses and industries.” He added that, “we will run the businesses and industries, but with SOPs”. The government’s policy of micro lockdowns yielded results earlier in the year. It appears to be hoping the same strategy can help minimise the spread of coronavirus as a second wave of infections spreads across Pakistan, and most countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike most other sectors, however, the hospitality industry is not being spared from lockdown.
The National Command Operation Center effectively restricted business for wedding halls, hotels and other indoor entertainment venues by capping the maximum number of patrons allowed at a time, to 50 percent of capacity, through a notification issued on 13 October. Less than a month later, on 6 November, it’s ordered them shutdown completely, through the end of January. Only outdoor venues have been allowed to continue operations, albeit with a list of SOPs which include ensuring 36 square feet of space for each patron. That means, a gathering of 100 people, a conservative wedding party by Pakistani standards, would only be allowed in a space of at least 3,600 square feet. Additionally, these events have to conclude within two hours, and follow other SOPs like temperature checks for all attendees.
The sector which has already endured months of closure earlier in the year, is understandably distraught. Industry sources say at least 2,700 workers have been laid off from hotels, this year. The Karachi Banquet Hall Association says its members have retained most of their 150,000 employees through nearly six months of the industry shutdown. But another 500,000 workers whom they employ on daily wages, have been left to fend for themselves. The All Pakistan Caterers, Decorators and Event Organisers Association says up to a million jobs are stake if the hospitality sector is not allowed to operate during the peak wedding season in the country.
The decision to lockdown the hospitality industry is not unique, or unwarranted. Similar measures have been re-imposed by the UK, France, Spain and their neighbours, in recent days, as COVID-19 cases have spiralled. Their governments are concurrently taking steps to cushion the drastic drop in revenues for their industry. The British government has extended its furlough scheme till March. It allows companies to retain workers while the government pays up to 80 percent of their salaries. Unfortunately, that’s not replicable for cash-strapped governments of the developing world, least of all for Pakistan.
In all likelihood, there will be no bailouts for the sector. On the other hand, allowing indoor congregation halls to remain open could create super spreader events that have proven devastating, even in countries that have otherwise managed well through the pandemic. For the government and the hospitality sector, choices seem limited. This wedding season seems headed for a crash.
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