First imposed on 15 March 2020, the National State of Disaster has been renewed since then. It allows the government to impose curfews as well as restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings and on the dispensation of alcohol.

These restrictions have had a severe adverse effect on the hospitality industry and has led to the closure of many businesses and the loss of many thousands of jobs.

“As an industry, we have always been sensitive to the fact that balancing lives and livelihoods is a difficult task,” says Rosemary Anderson, FEDHASA National Chair.

“We understand that sacrifices had to be made to curb to spread of the pandemic. However, the hospitality industry can’t continue to be switched on and off to stem the spread of COVID,” adds Anderson. “There has to be a more sustainable route to follow, which does not cause more harm than the pandemic itself.”

“The hospitality sector has largely borne the brunt of changing lockdown regulations, despite putting in place stringent health and hygiene protocols.

Courtesy of Hospitality Marketplace – read full article here.