With the start of the early unified curfew in Metro Manila this Monday that will last for 2 weeks, some establishments are complaining because they say it will have a big impact on their income.
The Resto PH group said that half of the restaurant operators in the country have closed due to the pandemic and some of them will be in a more difficult situation now due to the unified curfew, which is from 10 pm to 5 am.
“A larger portion of our sales is in the dinner time. Mall hours or the landlord will close earlier, possibly even 8 p.m. Our sales can be hit, as badly as half ang mawawala, because dinner sales might not be there,” said Eric Teng, an official of Resto PH.
But the situation of other establishments in Quezon City is worse. Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the closure of gyms, spas, and internet cafes for 2 weeks.
It hurts spa owners who only returned from surgery in September, and even more so on therapists who only survive on patrons’ tips.
“Umaasa sila sa tip na binibigay ng mga client. Sa amin namang business owners ng spa, paano po ‘yung renta? Kami na nga po ‘yung huling binuksan, kami na naman ‘yung unang isasarado ngayon, hindi pa nga po nakakabawi,” said Noll Montalbo, CEO of Mont Albo Wellness Corp.
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According to Montalbo, the spa should not be the first to be closed because their hygiene and sanitation protocols are strict so they have not had a case of the spread of COVID-19.
Even gym owners believe their enforced protocols are effective.
“Kami lang yata ‘yung hindi pa rin nagpapagamit ng showers up to now… You go to the gym right now just to workout… And we want you out in an hour,” said Mylene Dayrit, CEO of Gold’s Gym Philippines.
Resto, spa, and gym owners appealed, hoping that the government will provide financial assistance to bring businesses back. He also hoped that there would be a moratorium on fees such as rent and bills when an establishment closes.