The United States continues with its mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19. New York City has already started vaccinating its bar and restaurant workers, main attraction of The Big Apple and one of its greatest economic sources. “Hereinafter, those who work in restaurants and drive taxis can now receive the coronavirus vaccine “, indicated the mayor of the city before this new step in the immunization of the population.
And it is that the workers are already looking forward to the arrival of their turn for vaccination. The authorities have announced that on February 14 it will be possible to attend the interiors of the restaurants after months, even if only at 25% of its capacity. Thus, Elena Manich, owner of the spanish restaurant El Born on the street of Manhattan (Green Point neighborhood) he already prepares his tables, at the same time he removes the snow from his terrace, where he has been able to serve up to 20 diners in these months, something insufficient for the business to continue being profitable.
“We are ready to give them the vaccine as soon as we have it since the future of our city depends on it.”
– New York City (@nycgob) February 3, 2021
–
“I just spoke to the employees today to give them a letter as they work here. What happens is that we have entered the online page, but we still do not see the category of restaurant workers and we are waiting for it to be updated so as not to go to the vaccine site and to be told that we cannot get vaccinated “, Elena comments to EFE Agency, excited and excited to be able to receive one of the doses. Like Albert Williams, waiter in restaurant Xilonen, who is already waiting for information from her manager to know when she will receive the vaccine.
Months serving outside the establishments
The arrival of the coronavirus, last March, forced all the bars and restaurants to close their doors. Since then, they were able to reopen in spring, although only on terraces and interior patios. It was not until summer, with the positivity figures below 1%, when the interior of the hotel industry could be used again, although only at 25% and closing weeks later with the arrival of the second wave of the coronavirus.
After months of work on terraces and patios, They hope that the reopening of the interior of the establishments on February 14 will last much longer. Even that the capacity is increasing over the weeks, being able to make businesses increasingly profitable and reactivate the economy that has suffered so much since last year. And, they hope, the vaccine will also help make it possible.
In addition, the reopening will arrive on one of the most celebrated days in the United States: Valentine’s Day with telephones already ringing to make restaurant reservations throughout the city. “February 14th is Valentine’s Day around the world, But here they take it very seriously, so it’s scary to take reservations for that day and then the numbers go up and they won’t let us open at the end, so a bit of uncertainty, but I hope they will let it open, “Elena tells EFE.
Government aid, key for business
It is not difficult to know that the hospitality industry has been one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic. They have been closed for months, or at the minimum of their occupation and surviving has become a challenge for them. In New York, thanks to government aid, businesses have been able to stay afloat, Although many hope to get a second help, to be able to face the months that remain until they return to the normality they knew before the arrival of the coronavirus last March.
“Without that help it is impossible, We have thrown savings, from where we could throw, but there also comes a time when money is thrown away “, says Elena, owner of the Spanish restaurant, before adding, in a burst of optimism, that she hopes that in spring “Everything is going to explode and business is going to be good.”
Taxi drivers and home delivery drivers also wait for their vaccinations
The hotel industry will not be the only beneficiary in the vaccination campaigns in the coming days. Taxi drivers and home delivery people will also be able to go to the vaccination centers to receive the first of their doses. Juan Jara, food delivery man for the Grunhub application, applauds the authorities’ decision. Now you can feel more secure in your work to which he went with “fear” because “many people do not use a mask.”
“Okay, because we like deliveros (distributors) we run a great risk outside, on the street, all the time. With the vaccine I know that we have to continue to protect ourselves, but the risk is lower, “Juan Jara ditch.
–
