The Curaçao Restaurant Association is concerned about the current increase in the number of Covid-19 infections in Curaçao, but also believes that measures such as curfew or "lockdown" will be disastrous for the restaurant sector on the island.

The CRA is in favor of measures to prevent more infections. The health of the guests is paramount, however, the pressure on restaurants after the recent months with fewer costumers must also be taken into account. The association of restaurants therefore advocates keeping the sector open. The CRA's position on a curfew is that it should not start until 12:00 AM. This makes it possible for restaurants to receive visitors during the evening.

"It is impossible to survive as a restaurant if too many restrictive measures are taken now," says Business Director Egon Sybrandy of the CRA. Sybrandy: “The NOW-regeling has kept employees working, but the restaurant owners are struggling. If there comes no financial support for the restaurants, many will file for bankruptcy.” The organization points to other countries where there are less strict measures and where guests in catering establishments are still treated responsibly.

The CRA understands that there are concerns about places where people gather, but also believes that a restaurant is precisely an environment where there are many opportunities to keep people away from each other. Members of the association have indicated that they would like to cooperate on protocols and help set up registration systems to minimize the risk of contamination. The CRA can also play a role in this and provide protocols and training to minimize the risk of contamination.