Restaurant Association sends advisory urging members to shut operations until Mar 31

NEW DELHI: Amid coronavirus scare, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has sent advisory to members urging them to shut operations until March 31.

The decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of staff. It is less to do with business, said the association.

“We find ourselves today in an unprecedented situation where we are compelled to make some difficult decisions which have massive financial implications on our businesses but we are doing this in the larger benefit for our teams, our guests and our communities,” the industry body said in a statement.

With the ban on mass gatherings, the restaurant business in India is feeling the pinch.

“Banquets is the worst-hit segment, largely due to the travel curbs and a general avoidance of people in getting into larger gathering,” the NRAI had said in a statement to media.

The airline industry has also reported huge losses because of the virus outbreak.

An analytical report from CAPA – Centre for Aviation has issued a warning for the airline industry. “By the end of May-2020, most airlines in the world will be bankrupt. Coordinated government and industry action is needed – now – if catastrophe is to be avoided,” an article claims.

“Cash reserves are running down quickly as fleets are grounded and what flights there are operate much less than half full.Forward bookings are far outweighed by cancellations and each time there is a new government recommendation it is to discourage flying. Demand is drying up in ways that are completely unprecedented. Normality is not yet on the horizon,” the article claims.

As governments fail to cooperate, national self-interest is proving to be a threat for the aviation industry.

In India, all existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure, informed the Ministry of Health.

Indian has reported more than 110 cases of coronavirus infections.

So far three deaths have occurred within the country.

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