Hemal Vegda and Krishna Singh
Out of the five public places the Vibes of India team visited for a reality check to see if AMC rules are being followed, only one passed the test.
In a video statement on September 17, AMC’s Medical Officer of Health, Bhavin Solanki announced that entry in AMC-run AMTS buses, BRTS buses, and to public places like Kankaria Lake, Kankaria Zoo, Sabarmati Riverfront, libraries, gymkhanas, swimming pools, sports complexes, civic centres and to any such corporation buildings will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Anyone above 18 years of age who has not taken the first dose or those who have not taken the second dose despite being eligible, will not be allowed to enter these places, starting September 20, he said.
Three days later, Vibes of India reporters Krishna Singh and Hemal Vegda set out to check if these guidelines were being followed especially given the imminent threat of a more virulent and deadly third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
BRTS bus stops
LD College
Verdict: Thumbs Down
When we boarded the bus at the BRTS bus stop, we were promptly issued a ticked without any checks. Upon being asked about the AMC rule that requires passengers to have valid vaccine certificates, we were given a lesson on the importance of wearing masks. So did the rest of the passengers on the bus. Additionally, the conductor tried to lie his way out of not having performed his duty.
Cinema Halls
PVR, Thaltej
Verdict: Thumbs down
When the Vibes of India team reached the cinema hall, we were ushered in without having to show any proof. When we questioned the multiplex staff on the rules and their complete flouting, we were told: “We have not received any SOP from AMC. So we have not made it mandatory. However, we measure body temperature and make wearing masks mandatory. Anyone whose temperature is above the limit is not admitted,” said an official.
Cinemax, Shiv
Verdict: Thumbs down
The same story was repeated here too. The security guards gave us a very dubious reason for not adhering to the guidlines stating that they didn’t ‘check everyone’s certificates’. “We check the certificates of a person if they are in a group,” a staffer told us.
City Gold
Verdict: Thumbs down
Here also, the officials did not ask for a vaccination certificate. When asked about it, a visibly upset multiplex manager said, “We don’t check because we don’t have the AMC guidelines. It is impossible to keep a check on hundreds of people who come here to watch movies.”
AMTS bus stop
Verdict: Thumbs Up
LD college bus stop
Perhaps the only triumph for the city and its fight against the Covid scourge, the AMTS bus stop officials not only asked for our vaccine certificates, but we were also very politely deboarded for not having it. When the Vibes of India team boarded bus number 56/1 in the afternoon, the conductor asked for a vaccination certificate before issuing our tickets. When we said we don’t have it and tried to urge him to let us travel, he very politely but firmly told us that that we can’t travel without it. We were then deboarded from the bus, but not without resounding applause from us for sticking to the rules despite everything.
