Traffic, long lines for KFC in La Romaine

Just minutes after the Prime Minister announced the latest restrictions to curb the spread of covid19, KFC at Gulf View in La Romaine saw scores of customers, some waiting in the rain, gathered to buy food.

Those who spoke to Newsday on Thursday afternoon claimed their decision to go there had nothing to do with the anti-covid19 measures, which would see all restaurants closed from midnight on Thursday.

"Right now, my belly is in my hands. I was in a grocery, and initially did not know about the changes he made. So I was not aware until I came here, "said Anil Jaikaran of La Romaine.

He was standing in a line outside the front door in the drizzle. Only five customers were being allowed inside at a time.

Another customer, Pradeep Kumar, who lives in Freeport, was with his wife, who was shopping for items for her hair salon. He felt hungry and headed to KFC for food.

"I came out to help her buy some things. It was only after I heard about the announcement," he said.

From midnight on Thursday to May 23, all restaurants and bars will be closed.

A Siparia customer, a Muslim who is fasting for the month of Ramadan , gave his name only as Lex. He said his aunt invited him to break his fast at around 6.20 pm. She made an order at KFC, and he went to collect it.

"I was in PriceSmart (La Romaine) buying some items, nothing to do with the announcement. The meat here is halal, unlike some other places. We plan to break fast with KFC," Lex said.

Scores of people used the drive-through, causing traffic to pile up from the carpark to the Gulf View Link Road.

Some customers chuckled when asked if their decision to buy KFC was linked to the tightened measures.

There was no rush at Massy Store in La Romaine or JTA supermarket at Cross Crossing in San Fernando.