Possible entry restrictions to hamper recovery

Increasing global trend of entry restrictions for non-vaccinated persons in malls, cinema halls, and even barber shops, by private sector or government-backed norms, if implemented in India, might hamper economic growth. In theory, the likely move might help in mitigating a third wave, but will also deny services to non-vaccinated populations and can lead to litigations. Some countries have banned entry of non-vaccinated persons in malls and other places.

In parallel, discussions between tourism dependent countries and the industry are in advance stages to decide whether to allow quarantine-free entry to only vaccinated passengers. At present, contact intensive services like retail, tourism and aviation are the worst impacted, and implementing these norms might hurt them further.

Nonetheless, industry insiders maintain that such likely moves, even in the short run to prevent another wave, will disrupt recovery momentum. Besides, several companies have worked over time in ensuring employees get vaccinated and created operational bio-safe zones for their customers.