With the current number of infections, restaurants should not open in mid-December, says The Outbreak Management Team (OMT)
Translated by Adriana Dancu
In general, the OMT believes that additional relaxation in December is not on the agenda at the moment. It is also being investigated whether it makes sense to extend the school Christmas holidays for schools, as they are common infection sources.
It now appears that the experts further explicitly address the restaurants in their advice: “Given the current epidemiological circumstances, the OMT sees no reason to open the restaurants by mid-December.” As reported by the Dagblad van het Noorden.
Political considerations
The OMT emphasizes that a decision on temporary relaxation of measures during the holidays is a political consideration. There is still a risk of an increase in infections, and an additional burdening of the healthcare system.
Last week, reports came in the media that the cabinet would talk about the safe opening of some catering establishments, such as restaurants. Trials for reopening would also be considered.
Takeaway experiences in Groningen
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected many small businesses in the past months. Large numbers of people are not allowed in indoor areas, however, some restaurants in Groningen adapted very well to this situation. The restaurants focus now on home delivery, but have also come up with interesting ways to attract clients, keep their business open, and make people forget about the pandemic for a moment.
Outside bars, queue, and artwork
Diner-café Soestdijk, a restaurant near the University buildings, for example, has set up an outside bar. Passers-by can go there every Saturday for coffee, mulled wine, waffles and crisps. Usually, Soestdijk is only open for pick-up and delivery.
The owner of Soestdijk says that this initiative is done for people in the city, to “make them not think about Corona for a while.”
The Zondag restaurant, in the Noorderplantsoen, offers to-go coffees. “We are open to people who take a stroll in the park. They can get coffee here. Mulled wine is also very nice, hot chocolate, poffertjes,” says Daan Kok, an employee at Zondag.
In the Nieuwe Ebbbingestraat, De Rode Loper brasserie offers mustard soup, sandwiches, and coffee outside the restaurant.
On the pretty Folkingestraat, the North-African inspired lunchroom El Maida has a full menu available from its umbrella-d takeaway bar out front. Our suggestion would be to also check out their sweet treats, from vegan date cake to fresh Baklava. Their babaganoush baguette, complete with pomegranate seeds and tahina, is also an excellent (if messy) option.
Going for a take-away meal was brought to a whole new level by Restaurant Barra, which is collaborating with artists to make this activity more interesting. Anyone who orders a meal can buy a piece of art for four euros. “We want to give the artists and performers who contributed to our Barra hospitality concept a helping hand,” says co-owner Boudewijn Brink.
