Restaurant sector drives vaccinations in Sandton
SANDTON – The list of restaurant closures has thus far surpassed 1 000, with Covid-19 being one of the biggest contributors to the closures.
The Restaurant Association of South African (Rasa) emphasised the importance of vaccination at its drive-in Sandton on November 15.
In an effort to encourage more people in the food and drinks industry to get their Covid-19 jab, the association partnered with South African Breweries (SAB) for the drive at Luca’s Restaurant in Sandton Central.
Over a three-day period, more than 200 restaurants were invited with an estimated 600 people getting their jabs.
According to Rasa director Wendy Alberts, the activation also aimed to mitigate the ongoing closures of restaurants across the country.
The association’s list of restaurant closures has surpassed 1 000, with Covid-19 being one of the biggest contributors to the closures. “Restaurant closures are such a huge blow to the economy because they [restaurants] bring about a sense of community with our local watering holes, a sense of familiarity, and a large part of what makes a city or town attractive to live in.”
SAB vice-president of corporate affairs Zoleka Liza added that the brewery sees vaccinations as a necessary driver of the country’s recovery.
While SAB is committed to opening up the economy, nightlife, and drink industries, it understands that this will depend on many factors. “Vaccinations are not only about protecting yourself, but also those around you. The more people vaccinate, the closer we are to ensuring that the restrictions that come from lockdowns stop being a hindrance to economic recovery and a threat to lives and livelihoods,” said Liza.
Also in attendance, Gauteng MEC of Economic Development Parks Tau, emphasised that partnerships such as this are essential as we approach the festive season. “We continue to lose family members, friends and colleagues due to this virus, hence part of our call is to encourage those who have taken the first jab to come back [for their second],” said Tau.
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/303621/power-to-the-children-as-they-get-their-first-jabs-in-sandton/
