Restaurateurs call on govt. to expedite vaccination for those below 30 years

• Note below 30 years’ category yet to be inoculated against Covid-19
• CCRC welcomes efforts to make Covid-19 vaccination card mandatory when entering restaurants
• CCRC chief says a change in customer behaviour also observed since restaurants are no more experiencing walk-in customers

The Colombo City Restaurant Collective (CCRC) yesterday called on the government to expedite efforts in vaccinating those below 30 years of age since it is essential for the frontlines to be jabbed when operating during the pandemic.

As the number of Covid-19 positive cases and casualties are on the rise in the country, CCRC President Harpo Gooneratne said those in the tourism sector have been requesting the government to look at vaccinating those within the 18 – 30-year age group as they are in direct contact with the customers, which puts them at high risk.
Although 90 percent of the staff are vaccinated, he said the below 30 years’ category are yet to be inoculated against Covid-19.

“Most people in the hospitality industry are below 30 years old. So we think the government has to take priority on that, they need to roll out the vaccine. The only way to move forward is vaccinating more and more,” Gooneratne told Mirror Business. 

The CCRC chief also said that the membership welcomes the move made by the government in making it mandatory to carry the Covid-19 vaccination card during travel and when visiting public places. 

“It’s a pretty good initiative. I know it’s not thoroughly democratic but you have to do it to keep people safe, he said.
Gooneratna shared that discussions are taking place within CCRC members to take a collective effort in making it mandatory for customers to produce their Covid-19 vaccination card when entering restaurants. 

While a decision is yet to be made in that regard, he said the membership acknowledges that the move would help to cater to customers in a more responsible manner.

Gooneratne also pointed out that a change in customer behaviour is also observed since no more are restaurants experiencing walk-in customers and almost all reserve their table before hand after confirming if the standard Covid-19 health protocols are being followed.