Recent calls for weekend curfews [1] have been criticised by the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE)
The Association in a statement, said that there is “no scientific evidence thus far that the increase in the spread of Covid-19 is in any way related to catering establishments respecting the protocol in place.”
The Association argued that, “it is unjust to call for measures that will further impinge on the operation of Catering Establishments and their livelihood.”
“ACE members have been doing their best to ensure no spreading within their establishments and are at a delicate moment in order to safeguard their livelihood and that of their employees,” it said.
ACE highlighted that “it is widespread knowledge that various gatherings are occurring in private residences and in hired accommodation places.This is even more so in the island of Gozo.”
According to the Association, “it seems that this activity increases during festive weekends or bridge holiday weekends.”
In this respect, ACE said that if the Health Authorities feel the need of further measures one should regulate visits in households by persons not habitually residing there and the gatherings in hired apartments or other accommodation places for the organisation of private gatherings of persons not habitually living together.
ACE conclude by saying that it “continues to encourage its members to observe protocols whilst it encourages also the authorities to educate further on the protocols and on the dangers of gatherings beyond those allowed wherever these occur.”
File photo by Alain Salvary