The number of people vaccinated is increasing and the number of infections is decreasing. The incidence value in Berlin is below 100 on Friday. Thomas Lengfelder, Managing Director of DEHOGA in Berlin, demands from the Senate a precise plan of the conditions under which hotels and restaurants are allowed to open.
In the current situation, the Berliner is in demand, says Thomas Lengfelder, managing director of the restaurant and hotel association DEHOGA in Berlin. He calls for opening scenarios for the industries: “We are now counting on the fact that we will finally receive information next week at the latest as to when our companies are allowed to open and under what conditions.”
DEHOGA: Open outdoor catering quickly
According to Thomas Lengfelder, outdoor restaurants should be opened immediately if the incidence is less than 100 days. The risk of infection is very low there. According to a recent survey, 30 percent of entrepreneurs in the catering and tourism industry are engaged in a business task.
Payment of financial aid to companies
In addition, the industry representative complains that a lot of aid has not been paid. For November and December aid, it is 10 percent. In the case of the bridging aid three, it is 79 percent. “Aid has to flow, the money has to flow, otherwise there is a real risk of a major catastrophe – ultimately also for the employees, who will then also lose their jobs.” In addition, the private reserves of the entrepreneurs are used up for private expenses such as rent, children’s clothing and food.
The industry will only recover in years
It will take many years for the industry to fully recover, says the DEHOGA boss. Tourism will pick up again very quickly, however: “The important share of sales for Berlin in the trade fair, congress business and event sector […] Unfortunately, it will take a very, very long time before business is back, “said Lengfelder.
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