FAST-FOOD outlets, nightclubs and restaurants may soon trigger a fourth Covid-19 wave, as business operators continue flouting public health regulations meant to slow down the spread of the disease.
NYARADZO MUSHANYUKI
After forcing businesses to close doors at the peak of the third Covid-19 wave, the government eased the restrictions in September to allow the economy to recover.
Desperate to recover from months of inactivity, some players in the leisure and entertainment sector are now disregarding regulations such as demanding vaccination cards from patrons and failing to enforce social distancing.
Last week, The NewsHawks witnessed how a fast-food outlet along Robert Mugabe Road in Harare was allowing diners without vaccination cards.
The government announced that restaurants have been allowed to operate from 8am to 10pm for sit-in diners who are fully vaccinated.
Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa (pictured) announced in September that restaurant owners have to observe the regulations, warning that those who flout Covid-19 restrictions will be forced to close their premises with immediate effect. Since the relaxation of restrictions, restaurant owners have been clamouring for permission to allow sit-in diners.
Restaurants are allowed to serve sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated and in adherence to Covid-19 prevention protocols. Following the new measures that were announced by the government, restaurants are allowed to open for diners at 50% seating capacity.
The announcement came amid outcries from restaurant owners that the continued lockdown was endangering their businesses.
‘‘We are allowing people to sit in, even those without vaccination cards, especially at lunch hour, when most of the people come to buy food. Before the relaxation of the pandemic, l was not working due to the pandemic and the associated lockdown restrictions to manage the disease. This is the time where we have to work to compensate for the lost time and also to increase our sales,’’ a worker said.
Some restaurants are allowing people to buy food without wearing masks, while others are risking by allowing people to reach their serving pots without having their hands sanitised. ‘‘For now, people are allowed to sit in restaurants, but the problem is some people are not observing the Covid-19 regulations and restrictions.
Some come in without wearing their masks properly, which poses a danger to the public. Allowing sit-in clients could turn out to be a super spreader if we are not careful enough as workers and customers,’’ the restaurant worker said. “
Despite the falling infection and death rates, people are urged to continue adhering to World Health Organisation protocols to thwart the possibility of a fourth wave.
Restaurant Operators Association of Zimbabwe (ROAZ) president Bongai Zamchiya said his organisation is encouraging operators to comply with the WHO regulations.
‘‘The current regulation governing the opening of restaurants states that restaurants can be open to all vaccinated people and that a confirmation of the vaccination status must be obtained to allow those customers to sit down for a meal. It is the position of the ROAZ that this law is clear and must be adhered to. Failure to do so places a restaurant at odds with the law. We believe that all ROAZ members are complying with the law, as they have consistently done since the first lockdown in March 2020 and we are satisfied that they comply,” Zamchiya said.
‘‘ROAZ encourages and promotes support of best practices, adherence to the law and safe dining for all customers, and a safe working environment for staff. However, it should be noted that while ROAZ can undertake efforts to encourage compliance, it is not a body that can legally enforce such adherence and we fully support the bodies that do such as the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police,’’ he said.
Since the initial lockdown of March 2020, restaurants have not been able to operate at optimal capacity due to lockdowns. Players say the sector has not received any financial relief despite mounting costs, including paying full licence fees.
Restaurants normally employ casual workers during busy periods, but have not been able to do so, which has led to job losses due to the lockdown which negatively affected their business. The impact of the coronavirus on restaurant operations has had a significant impact on revenue to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, as they traditionally contribute a portion of their turnover to the ZTA in the form of levies.
