With the announcement of South Africa’s lockdown being extended, residents across the country are not only feeling the pressure but also missing the times before lockdown, when fast food and food delivery was part of their weekly meal plan.
There are many questions on the minds of South Africans at large but one of the most prominent is, when will takeaway food return to South Africa?
With nothing decided yet regarding the lockdown timeline a number of restaurant and fast food outlets are reportedly preparing for a second phase of lockdown where they will be allowed to reopen on a strict takeaway-only basis.
This phase will involve a number of challenges including getting staff to and from restaurants safely and maintaining necessary hygiene protocols within the establishments.
Some new considerations include regular monitoring of staff temperatures and a strict no cash payment policy according to Business Tech.
Focus has been shifted to how a restaurant can operate with a minimal number of customers and staff.
Many chain restaurants are considering operating only via third-party delivery services such as Mr D or Uber Eats.
Other questions raised from these considerations are whether drive-thru services will be available and if liquor will be allowed to be sold along with food.
In Gauteng a number of taverns and bars are pushing to sell liquor under social distancing laws.
While nothing is set in stone yet, the nation is waiting on the President to find out what the way forward will be. Suppliers of fast food, takeaways and liquor are urging the government to allow them to trade for the better of the nation.
A second phase of lockdown could begin after the extended lockdown ends, but at this point we could also be in for another extension. Nothing is confirmed yet, however.
Source: Business Tech
Picture: Pexels
