Cinemas, gyms reopen, still no dining at bars, restaurants

Casinos, gyms and cinemas will re-open with a capacity limit of 50 per cent, the Prime Minister announced on Saturday. In the case of gyms, they must operate by appointment.

However, bars and restaurants will have to wait another two weeks to know when they can return to in-house dining.

Speaking at the covid19 medical update, Dr Rowley said bars and restaurants are places used for social gatherings which contribute to the spread of the virus. He said both places are mostly used for socialisation and asked that they hold on for two more weeks.

“Alcohol have a way of causing sensible people to behave in a less sensible way.”

Rowley said attempts have been made to find a formula to allow for the full opening of restaurants and bars but it was difficult. He said the best thing for the country at the moment was for them “to hold on a little longer.” Services are currently limited to orders to go.

“People go to bars to congregate, after two drinks you forget about the Minister of Health and covid19. For a little while longer we will have to sacrifice that for the benefit of the country.”

He added that likewise restaurants are a place for socialization so the same rules will apply.