Bar owner: Blame election for covid19 spike

ALLAN Campbell, owner of Carrat Shed Bar in Marabella, says the Health Ministry should stop blaming bars for the recent, continuous upsurge in covid19 cases. He said the real cause of this was the lead up to the August 10 general election.

On Tuesday, Campbell placed outside his business a sign which read, "Five weeks before election: 128 cases, eight deaths. Five weeks after election: 3,183 cases, 56 deaths. Stop blaming bars."

He told Newsday the political leaders of both the UNC and the PNM need to take a lot of the blame for the rise in cases.

"There's no doubt whatsoever it's the election. They were totally irresponsible. The UNC was calling for this election for quite some time and the PNM accepted the request because of certain information they might have had.

"They're putting the blame on bars and churches and beaches. Up to the other day, the Health Minister was still blaming bars. The election had a significant part to play. It cannot be a coincidence. What other major events we had?"

He said he set up two tables in front of his businesses' door and no patrons are allowed to enter – not even to use the bathroom. They order and pay at the door, get their items and leave the premises.

Campbell also said he wished the Health Ministry would provide information on how many covid19 patients are alcoholics, to further prove bars are not the problem.

At the Health Ministry's covid19 media conference on Wednesday morning, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh told the public he understands all of their concerns.

"We empathise and sympathise with all citizens who are unduly affected by these restrictions. Your concerns are valid."