By Nathan Cortes Rojas
As we continue to ease ourselves out of lockdown, businesses have to started to reopen, from hairdressers to pubs, but is it the best time to do this?
When it was announced that pubs were going to open – albeit for outdoor food and drinks only – there was quite a stir in the media as pictures, videos and reports showed people lining up outside their local for a drink.
However, it is concerning to see a mass of people waiting to enter these establishments – and it raises concerns over whether the pandemic rules will still be observed – and enforced – when dealing with this surge.
“Bad for business”
Foresthill Sixth form student, Harry Diggins, has shared these concerns over whether these businesses would follow the rules. “I do not think that pubs should be reopening this early, owners of the pubs are most likely not going to follow the COVID-19 restrictions as they are bad for business.”
Despite these fears, there are those who believe that this is still a necessary evil to help keep these businesses going as they had taken a massive financial hit due to the pandemic forcing everyone to stay inside.
Croydon College student, Jamilah Cortes Rojas, believes that people will not keep safe as we ease out of lockdown, but this step is vital in keeping the business alive.
“I mean, people have no regard for social distancing or keeping themselves and others safe, so the fact that pubs are opening up is going to create a bigger problem. I think the only good thing about this is that the businesses will be doing better.”
Roadmap to recovery
The decision to open these businesses up was part of the Prime Minister’s plan to ease the country out of lockdown. The first stage involved allowing people to meet in groups of six in their gardens, similar to the previous lockdown, and we have now entered the second stage.
This stage was the reopening of businesses like pubs, hairdressers and so on, however, time will be the judge as to whether this plan will succeed in getting us out or if it will fail and we are back to square on.
At the moment, punters can only enjoy a drink outside – they are expected to be allowed to eat inside both pubs and restaurants on May 17th.
Even while dining outdoors, people are allowed to gather only in groups of six or more and even then, only with people from one or two households. They must eat and drink sitting down and wear face masks when walking to and from their table or to the toilet. People over the age of 16 must sign up and check in with Test and Trace.
In addition, the onus is on establishments to keep their customers safe. This will include the use of disposable sachets for condiments, using contactless payments when possible, having screens between customers and staff at tables or sales tills and observing the rules of social distancing at all times.
But last night the Evening Standard showed photos of people packed outside pubs in Soho, and quoted a “reveller” saying that it feels as if all Covid restrictions had finally ended.
Too much too soon?
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