“Horrible” is how catering entrepreneur Luberto Agricola describes the recent Corona virus outbreak for the catering industry
Translated by Racheal Adeniyi
Most organisations have been advised by the Dutch government on measures to take for precautionary purposes- the catering and hospitality industry was told on Sunday that its doors had to be closed immediately during the epidemic period. Luberto Agricola, a catering business owner, said, “we have never seen this before. I have three catering businesses, where almost two hundred people work there. We now have to apply for unemployment benefits for permanent employees.” As reported by the Omrop Fryslân.
Though Agricola does appreciate the need for response to the epidemic, he further stated that: “companies are at a standstill, but we understand that. People kept coming, so we understand you have to turn that around.”
Another hospitality company owner, Geert Bosman who has his business in Heerenveen said that “the most important thing is that the UWV does what they say. They have to pay out the reduction in working hours as soon as possible. Otherwise people will really get into trouble. Banks have to postpone the repayments and increase the liquidity of the companies. Otherwise all companies will get stuck.”
Agricola mentioned that although the catering companies closing soon is going to create serious damages to the economy, but health is paramount. Bosman agreed: “The costs will continue. Perhaps the province can set up a fund with which they can help entrepreneurs through the worst. Because the entrepreneurs will need that soon. If we have to let people go again, they will still have to go back to work. If the industry fails, it will also be a mess. “
The chairman of the Heerenveen department of the Koninklijke Horeca Nederland says that the catering industry will collect all food and they will bring this to healthcare institutions and food banks. “A great initiative,” says Mayor Tjeerd van der Zwan (PvdA).
It is painful, but logical, to close things, Bosman concludes. He added: “looking at the development of these recent happenings in different countries, we can’t dismiss the situation. I hope we can nip the problem on its bud.”
Image via PxFuel
