So let’s eat, drink and be merry... ish
BUSINESS owners in the hospitality sector breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday as pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants finally re-opened indoors.
Premises across Wales were allowed to welcome back customers following months of financial uncertainty and stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is arguably one of the most significant milestones in Wales’ emergence from lockdown, and a measure that will bring a further sense of normality back into people’s lives.
But re-opening businesses up poses increased risk of transmission of the virus. Scientists have repeatedly warned of coronavirus’ ability to last longer on surfaces indoors, and the ease at which it spreads in enclosed public spaces.
It also goes without saying that alcohol’s ability to lower inhibitions will inevitably lead to drinkers flouting the social distancing rules which have served us so well since March.
The onus will, somewhat regrettably, fall to owners and managers of these establishment to police their patrons, ensuring they stick to the rules or there runs the risk of closure once again.
Many places will also have to operate a “by appointment only” system to ensure that overcrowding is avoided at all costs.
So, in many ways, people who enjoy a pint or a meal out with their family and friends will have to get used to a new kind of normal for the foreseeable future.
Thankfully in Wales the number of positive cases of coronavirus being reported per day has been on the decrease for weeks.
Many parts of the country frequently report no cases at all in 24 hours, with only Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board showing any signs of a local spike.
This headway has allowed the Welsh Government to reintroduce indoor eating and drinking, albeit with restrictions in place. But as we have seen across the border in England, there is always a risk of the virus returning with a vengeance and spoiling the party for everyone.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has not ruled out local lockdowns should Covid-19 circulation begin to spiral out of control. That has to be avoided at all costs for the sake of our lives and livelihoods.
We all have a responsibility to drink, eat and behave in a way that won’t run the risk of spreading infection. But it remains to be seen how rates of transmission – and our daily lives – will be impacted when the weather take an inevitable turn for the worse this winter.