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The Fear Waves of COVID-19 – The Experience in Hospitality.

For someone who has a few years of experience in hospitality, the Coronavirus Pandemic hit the industry hard…and not just once.

Alfred Quartey – unsplash.com

Before COVID-19, there were very few who were scared to go out; whether it was for a few drinks with friends or family, or out for a casual meal, there was no hesitation. But once the virus turned up, so did the fear.

To ensure people felt safe, the job title went from bartender to intensive cleaner. Once rushed off my feet with the service, to then having very little bookings, no walk-ins and a lot of scrubbing down of chairs and table legs that we never had to worry about before.

Kelly Sikkema – unsplash.com

Back in the later months of 2020, people became more comfortable with the measures put in place to contain the spread. Bookings began to increase, the regulars began to return. Things were headed in the right direction, back to “normal”.

Then it crashed again.

Another rise in COVID numbers. Another lockdown. Another scare. Back to square one.

Once again, people’s confidence had to be helped. And once again, very quiet shifts. But hope came back around when people started to lose the fear of Covid-19 and just wanted to enjoy their time with friends and family.

Then, the end of 2021, the Omicron variant. Quicker, more contagious, more fearful.

Experiencing the busier side of the hospitality industry, working in a newly opened cocktail bar, there was never a moment to stand around doing nothing. But entering the new year, there have been fewer bookings and therefore, not much to do. Focusing on only a few tables a night is completely out of the ordinary and scary on a whole different side. The fear of losing a job.

Drew Beamer – unsplash.com

With no customers, there’s no work. And with no work, there’s no place.

The industry has had to tackle difficult changes throughout the whole pandemic, but the fear of the customers is still a massive hurdle to tackle.

Will there ever be a time again where people feel completely safe to go out and trust the services?

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