State health minister wants malls to cancel special offers so that fewer people visit them and there is lesser risk of contracting swine flu The end of season sale at malls may come to an end a lot earlier than expected. Discounts and special offers are not good with swine flu in the air, feels the health ministry. u00a0 In fact, worried state officials have asked mall owners to stop offering discounts for the next 10 days to keep shoppers at bay. u00a0 "We don't want people to crowd malls to avail of the discount schemes. 
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Vulnerable: As they attract people in large numbers and they are also centrally air-conditioned.</td></tr></tbody></table> These places are vulnerable because they attract people in large numbers and they are also centrally air-conditioned," said State Health Minister Rajendra Shingane. "I have asked the district collectors to ensure that malls and multiplexes stop offering discounts in Mumbai, Thane and Pune," he added. u00a0 That's not all. The state is also contemplating shutting down multiplexes and theatres for a few days. "We will take a decision on closing multiplexes and theatres today. We may have to keep them closed for three to four days as the district administration has been told to take appropriate steps to curb the spread of swine flu," said Shingane. Interestingly, top honchos of the city's popular malls and shopping complexes are unaware of the state's intentions. Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future Group that runs the Big Bazaar franchise, said, "I have not heard about any such directive nor received any such instruction from the state officials. People are leaving their fears behind and now the government wants to take this decision. Why don't they stop people from breaking matkis on Gokul Asthami?" And Vinay Nadkarni, CEO, Globus Stores agrees. "Rather than containing the spread of the disease by educating people, they want people to stop shopping. What will they do about the trains," he asked. Right decision However, the aam aadmi is wary to go to crowded places and feels the state should stick to its decision. u00a0 "Although I was excited to visit a retail chain to avail of the Independence Day offers, I agree that one should avoid malls and multiplexes. Health is more important than discount offers," saidu00a0u00a0u00a0 Sonia Seth, a BPO analyst.

State health minister wants malls to cancel special offers so that fewer people visit them and there is lesser risk of contracting swine flu

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