Apart from the urgent health crisis, the outbreak of Nipah virus infection is affecting the economy of Kozhikode district.
Business activity has suddenly turned dull for multiple reasons, including the scare created in conventional and social media including the cross-platform and Voice Over IP service such as WhatsApp. “Usually, trade and commerce witness a dip during the initial days of the holy month of Ramzan. But this time, Nipah outbreak has created a lot of anxiety,” C.E. Chakkunny, president of Malabar Development Council, said.
Normally, Sweet Meat Street, Moideen Palli Road, Court Road, Big Bazaar, and Palayam are abuzz with activity during the days ahead of the reopening of schools. “Now, people seem to have begun avoiding public places. Trade and commerce have taken a hit for various reasons including the ban on entry of vehicles to SM Street and implementation of GST,” he said.
Shopping malls in the city that usually bustle with family crowds are also feeling the pinch.
Cinema halls are attracting thin crowds despite being the vacation season. “During daytime, the activity is relatively forlorn. But crowds swell in the evenings, especially during weekends. But there is some concern triggered by Nipah scare,” Vinod Paul, senior marketing manager, Hilite Group, said.
Fruit markets have been badly hit following reports that the deadly virus was carried by fruit-eating bats. “Normally, fruits are in high demand during Ramzan. People are reluctant now and have become choosy in buying fruits. Business has dropped at cool bars and juice shops that offer fruit dishes,” M. Nithyananda Kamath, secretary, Malabar Chamber of Commerce, said.
However, he also pointed out that the Nipah virus scare had not impacted business hugely either at the micro or medium level. “Of course, some precautionary measures adopted by the authorities seem to have had an adverse effect,” he said.
Pre-scheduled conferences as well as meetings have been postponed in the city. “This has also resulted in the cancellation of bookings in hotels. The situation is temporary and will change next week or so,” Mr. Kamath hoped.
Foreign and domestic tourist arrivals to the district have fallen in the past one week after several States and countries issuing advisory to travellers, though the virus infection is localised in nature. Visitors have been told to be extra-cautious and have been advised to avoid the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur.
Incidentally, the number of visitors to inpatient wings at hospitals have also lessened. “Nevertheless, efforts of the district administration in containing the outbreak has to be appreciated,” Mr. Kamath added.
