Navi Mumbai mall fined Rs 50,000 for hiring unvaccinated man

NMMC officials at Seawoods

A day after mid-day highlighted the laxity on the part of malls and shopping centres in letting in only fully vaccinated people, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation on Wednesday fined Seawoods Grand Central mall Rs 50,000 for violation of COVID protocol. An NMMC squad found an employee of the mall without a mask and having no vaccination.

Seawoods Grand Central mall is the biggest mall in Navi Mumbai and sees thousands of customers even on weekdays. Its footfall surges on weekends as it offers several international brands to shoppers apart from a multiplex.

Officials said NMMC is keeping a close eye on malls and shopping centres through its special vigilance squad.

"The employee didn't have a mask. Also, he was not vaccinated at all. This is a serious violation. Therefore, we informed the management and fined the mall R50,000," said an NMMC official. "As per the Epidemic Act and the new protocols, each person working in an establishment should be fully vaccinated," he added.

NMMC Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said, "COVID is not over yet. In fact, Omicron variant is round the corner. At this juncture, such lethargy is unacceptable. We do not like to impose a fine on the whole management for one person's mistake, but it's their responsibility to get each and every person vaccinated before hiring them. As the active cases are down, people should not lower their guard. They should keep following COVID-appropriate behaviour."