Stop being a bully. Toe the COVID line for your own sake

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Clubs and hotels are on the BMC radar as civic authorities seek to tighten the screws on inappropriate COVID-19 behaviour. Large gatherings and flouting of norms have now reflected in case numbers. A disconcerting climb in numbers that should have all of us, who thought we had rounded the bend against COVID-19, do a double take.

This editorial has already highlighted ways in which certain establishments are trying to fly under the radar when it comes to big groups. What we need to stress, too, is the deliberate disobedience and arrogance of guests and visitors who subdue staffers telling them to wear masks, keep distance or sanitise.

Staffers, who after all are employees, are often left wringing their hands or watch helplessly as club members flout rules and simply cannot be told anything at all. Money is power and members use this with the attitude that they cannot be told anything, or threaten staffers that they will complain to the management. Employees, many of whom are just happy to have a job in these challenging times and desperate to keep it, have to desist from pointing at the rule book.

The same is true about hotels which are often hard pressed to tell guests to maintain discipline in lobbies and passageways. One has witnessed visitors with masks down, talking into their phones as the staff watch helplessly.

Given that these establishments have opened after months and need footfall to bolster their profit lines, they are extremely wary of inviting the wrath of guests.

We have to see as members and visitors, that we have responsibility for employees and others, who we may endanger with this behaviour. Superiority, browbeating and intimidating workers who may point out that we have erred is reprehensible. Listen to the voice of reason, however humble a person it emanates from.