Friday November 12th 2021
Hartges in the “ntv early start”
Dehoga calls for further lockdowns to be ruled out
The time of the lockdowns seemed over, but now they are being discussed again. The Association of Hotels and Restaurants considers this to be disproportionate. He expects extended corona aid from the traffic light coalition until the end of March.
The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) calls on politicians to rule out another lockdown. “It must be ensured that our operations now remain open permanently,” said Dehoga general manager Ingrid Hartges in the “ntv early start”. A lockdown actually means a professional ban for hoteliers and restaurateurs. Leading politicians have very clearly ruled out new closings. All measures would have to be proportionate. “I think it is legally more than problematic to impose a lockdown for vaccinated people.” Saxony’s Prime Minister Kretschmer had no longer ruled out a shutdown on Thursday.
Hartges called on politicians to first exhaust other options. “Before speculating about a lockdown here, everything must first be done to prevent such a lockdown by taking the appropriate measures.” She spoke out in favor of enabling at least the elderly over 60 years of age to have a third vaccination as quickly as possible. “That must now be done promptly.” In addition, free tests are needed immediately for all citizens.
The industry would not survive a new lockdown, Hartges said. The previous federal government had given the affected industries good financial aid in most cases – otherwise, according to their statements, 50,000 to 70,000 companies would not have survived the crisis. Mentally and emotionally, however, renewed closings would be a real problem. Above all, they could exacerbate the shortage of skilled workers. “Politicians really have a responsibility to ensure that no sector here has to be closed any more.”
Better 2G controls promised
The head of the association called on the expected future traffic light coalition to extend the Corona economic aid beyond the end of the year. “You have to do that. You can’t let the industry down for the last few meters.” She welcomed the commitment by the SPD, Greens and FDP to allow the special regulations on short-time allowance to continue to apply. “It would be absolutely incomprehensible if the bridging aid was not extended until at least March 31st.”
The Dehoga chairwoman promised better controls of the 2G and 3G access rules by hotels and restaurants. “No ifs or buts: Access must be strictly controlled.” This is particularly necessary in the current infection situation. “That is what the guests expect. But that is what the colleagues who do it very carefully also expect.” The majority of Dehoga companies implement the control rules clearly and consistently, says Hartges. “If everyone does that, the guests will also accept it.” However, she also expects visitors to respect the decision of restaurateurs in favor of 2G.