Korean restaurant chains cry foul over Covid-19 rules
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South Korean restaurant chains are accusing the government of using “discriminatory countermeasures” in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Recent edicts to prevent the spread of the latest outbreak in the country have seen the closure of buffet and family-style restaurants, while still allowing cafes to operate. Prominent chains CJ Foodville, Shinsegae Food and Elandeats have expressed their dissatisfaction with the discrepancy, which has involved multiple outlet closures and necessitated the dumping of fresh food.
“The largest number of coronavirus cases was confirmed at Starbucks coffee shop(s), but I don’t understand why restaurant chains are targeted,” a family restaurant worker told the Korea Times. “Starbucks closed its relevant branches for a few days and then they reopened them.”
The restaurant chains had previously instituted anti-Covid-19 precautions, such as checking the temperatures of customers and enforcing social distancing.
The Korea Times quoted one CJ Foodville official as saying: “It is our obligation to follow the government’s regulations, but we hope people don’t continue to think that our restaurants are high-risk after things get better.”
Questions & Answers
Q.What specific types of restaurants have been ordered to close during the latest outbreak?
What specific types of restaurants have been ordered to close during the latest outbreak?
Recent government orders aimed at controlling the pandemic have specifically mandated the closure of buffet and family-style restaurants. This contrasts with cafes, which have been permitted to continue operating during the same period of new restrictions.
Q.Which prominent restaurant chains have voiced concerns about the government's approach?
Which prominent restaurant chains have voiced concerns about the government's approach?
Prominent chains including CJ Foodville, Shinsegae Food, and Elandeats have expressed their dissatisfaction. They highlight the inconsistencies in the rules, which have led to numerous outlet closures and significant food wastage for their businesses.
Q.What measures had restaurant chains already implemented to prevent coronavirus spread?
What measures had restaurant chains already implemented to prevent coronavirus spread?
Before the new rules, the restaurant chains had already put various anti-Covid-19 precautions in place. These measures included checking customers' temperatures upon entry and strictly enforcing social distancing protocols within their premises.
Q.Why do the restaurant chains believe the government's countermeasures are unfair?
Why do the restaurant chains believe the government's countermeasures are unfair?
The chains believe the measures are discriminatory because they have been targeted for closure, despite a large number of cases reportedly originating from a Starbucks. They question why cafes can remain open while their businesses are shut.
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