Coronavirus: PCI and Gymkhana Club go into complete shutdown
New Delhi: In what seems to be unprecedented in the recent history of the Press Club of India and the Delhi Gymkhana Club, two of the Capital's most exclusive clubs will be under complete shutdown till March 31 in light of the Coronavirus crisis that has gripped the nation and the world alike. These clubs have also said that it is only responsible for them to follow government directives in this regard to ensure that the novel coronavirus does not spread. In addition to these clubs, the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia has also ordered a complete shutdown of its services till
March 31.
In a press note issued on Thursday night, the Press Club of India said that their restaurant and bar services will remain shut in compliance with the directive issued by the Delhi government calling for all eateries, restaurants and bars to remain closed for dining-in. However, officials at the club informed Millennium Post that all dining-in services at the PCI will remain suspended and that the club will be closed for all.
On the other hand, the Delhi Gymkhana Club, which was considering a complete shutdown until PM Narendra Modi's address to the nation said they were inspired by the PM's address to do their part to stop the spread of the virus. Executive Manager (Operations) of the club said that 75 per cent of the club was already shut down in light of the pandemic but after "PM's address we have decided to completely shut down the club till March 31". When asked about the guesthouse services and guests in the club, he said that no guests are being allowed for the time being and residing guests had been asked to vacate the premises at the soonest.
However, other clubs like the India International Centre and the India
Habitat Centre have said that they have received no such direction to close services from the senior management. At the time of writing this report, managers at these clubs said that their operations would continue and their doors will open as usual on Friday morning.
