Businesses upset at the change in closing times

Various upset businesses called our redaction team to complain about the Department of Economic Business’ decision to close businesses on the upcoming holidays.

There was word, according to the department, that these announcements were made due to the rise in COVID-19 cases. The announcements are as follows:

·         Friday the 2^nd of April 2021: stores are not permitted to be open to the public

·         Saturday the 3^rd of April 2021: Stores are allowed to be open until 9:00 pm

·         Sunday the 4^th of April 2021: stores are not permitted to be open to the public

·         Monday the 5^th of Aril 2021: stores are not permitted to be open to the public

These rules do not apply to gas stations, pharmacies, nor restaurants, and stores located inside a hotel that have permission to be open. Their compliance to the permitted hours will be monitored.

The government cannot impose in these matters; however, it is the case that a request was made to the Crisis Team to change the closing hours, according to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, Xiomara Maduro.

It has been the case for years that stores were permitted to open on holidays because our island runs on tourism. Last year, however, this was impossible. At first, holidays were days that workers could take a break and close their stores. There are stores that remain open as per usual.

In relation to COVID-19, it has been decided that they should close. Even though these are religious holidays, the intention was not to remain closed.

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Businesses have come forward with critique, which is understandable, according to Maduro. She continued by saying she has brought the concerns to the Crisis Team, but, like was previously mentioned, this is all concerning the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Chaos

One worker contacted 24ora.com and indicated that many of their colleagues offered a promotion for their businesses during these days, before this announcement was made, there had been word that shops could stay open as usual, which turns out to not be the case. This means that chaos ensues now that these plans can no longer happen.

Additionally, seeing as this will be a long weekend, there will likely be a lot of drinking, which will consequently lead to the same result as we witnessed after the 18^th of March, more contagion.