Sharing hookahs can prove to be highly contagious
Sharing hookahs can prove to be highly contagious and can easily spread swine flu.
Even as the city struggles to keep pace with the fresh number of casualties reported daily, precautions are being taken all over the city. Business and catering establishments are stepping up efforts to ensure that all preventive measures are taken to check the spread of the pandemic.
Among them, one of the most vulnerable places from where the dreaded disease can spread at breakneck speed are hookah bars dotted around the city. Among them, Mocha has already decided to shut shop till the situation improves. “We’ve decided to close down the outlet till things improve. As on date, there is no way that we are going to let people share hookahs,” informs Nilesh K, manager at Mocha’s Law College Road outlet. “Even otherwise, we have strict instructions to not allow anyone to use the hookah without the mouthpiece,” he adds.
Aubaid Manzar, a regular at hookah bars, says it’s a bit tough to let go of the habit but in the interest of safety, he is complying. “I guess I have no choice now other than to comply; it’s better to resist for a while than be beset with swine flu,” he says. “Plus, as the hookah joints are closing down, we have no other option,” adds Manzar.
Rahul Jain, owner of The Leather Lounge, Camp says, “Although we don’t serve hookah but the Cantonment Board has ordered every pub and restaurant in the area to remain closed atleast until August 16 and we are complying with the rules.” Shyam Mohan, manager of Thousand Oaks, East Street, says, “Thousand Oaks does not have a hookah bar but we close daily at 9 pm as that is the latest the governing officials are allowing us to operate till. We ensure that each one of our customers wears a mask.”
© Indianexpress
