A video of overcrowding at the establishment went viral on WhatsApp, forcing authorities to immediately take notice of the matter.
Chennai Corporation sealed off Kumaran Silks, a clothing store in the city, after images of uncontrolled crowds appeared inside the premises of the establishment. The video went viral on WhatsApp and forced the authorities to immediately become aware of the matter.
The video, allegedly filmed on October 18, shows a sea of people, mostly without masks, crowding the clothing store. No physical distance can be observed in the video as employees unfold the saris and show them to customers. This blatant violation of the guidelines comes despite multiple requests and warnings from the Chennai Corporation to establishments that are likely to see increased influx before festival season.
Kumaran Silks in Chennai was sealed after a video emerged of overcrowding and lack of physical distancing. @chennaicorp @thenewsminute pic.twitter.com/qIM9HyUxSv
– priyankathirumurthy (@priyankathiru) October 20, 2020
The Chennai Corporation closed and sealed Kumaran Silks on Tuesday morning as a result of these violations. For the Health Department, the upcoming festival season is already a cause for concern; Officials say they have warned residents and establishments against overcrowding. In other districts of Tamil Nadu, the Department of Health and civic agencies are also battling crowds. In the recent past, sudden sales advertised in clothing stores have resulted in the violation of the guidelines.
In Chennai’s Virudhunagar on Sunday, police arrested a business owner for advertising a biryani plate for 10 rupees on the opening day of his restaurant. The deal was reportedly available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., which meant crowds formed near the store. Not many patrons wore masks and spilled out onto the street near the establishment.
The owner was booked by the police under sections 188. [Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant], 269 [Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life]and 278 [Making atmosphere noxious to health] of the Indian Penal Code, the Epidemic Disease Act and the Disaster Management Act.
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