Phase 2 HA: Here We Go Again
As we all know, the Ministry of Health released news that for the F&B industry, more measures that supersede the original plans for dining in will be implemented: dining-in would be suspended and group sizes for social gatherings will go back down to two people as Singapore returns to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) to combat a rise in local COVID-19 cases.
The measures will be in effect from Thursday (Jul 22) until Aug 18 and will supersede the measures that were introduced on Monday, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a press release. The Government will review the measures in two weeks and adjust them based on the situation at that time, the ministry added.
It's definitely a disappointment, and it's something that many of us in the industry has to contend with during the last few months, with the numerous changes that have been implemented, with inconsistent results. Numerous of us have been disappointed in how the measures have been implemented and some of us are worried about how to run our businesses. These are certainly criticisms that should be taken note off, especially since the most recent clusters exist partially because of the actions of a certain few flouting the rules.
There are definitely multiple aspects of this that we have to look into in order to proceed on. For one, there is the whole default to a digital platform to deliver food, some which leaves out the less tech-savvier of the F&B industry, particularly the hawkers. Many benefits that the government is introducing includes a savvy understanding of technology, such as having an email address, being able to join a delivery platform, and internet banking. Marketing on social media, as well, leaves out those who aren't able to do so or have the language and knowhow to showcase their food. Earlier this year, newspaper reports would report that the less savvier, older hawkers were facing a lack of sales due to not being able to rise into the division of technology and science, a critique, perhaps on how Singapore’s Smart Nation aspirations was leaving behind a generation of hawkers due to the lack of accessibility. It’s definitely something we are still thinking about, especially now with this news.
Another aspect that we have to consider is the stability of staffing during this time. As many of you may know, the most recent range of measures given showcase the lack of stability of income for some people, and many, especially those in the lower ranks of the job scope in the F&B industry such as full-time staff, have to have their hours reduced in order to work. Some are considering joining another industry altogether for a more stability and money during these times. It doesn't help that in the past, much of our working force were of foreign descent: Malaysians and Southeast Asians around the region, including Filipinos and Vietnamese people. With the reduced amount of work force, the ones who do have are currently facing issues such as increased work hours, lack of funds, rising rentals, and funnily enough, racism from the public, especially with the recent KTV clusters being blamed on Vietnamese hostesses.
It's very vexing to see such issues plaguing our industry, but we are also lucky to see that compassion continues to happen every day. Many of the companies involved are working hard to keep the work force they have so that they can continue working, and keep paying them. At the same time, it is a relief to see that some people are comitted to the same cause. Many business owners are, for example, making sure that their staff are getting vaccinated so that they can keep working, and at the same time, making sure that they are taking time to develop their own sites every day and help others. So what can we do? Firstly: vaccinations. What is important at the moment is inculcating herd immunity so that we can work towards rendering strains of COVID-19 irrelevant, or less harmful. If we all work together and get ourselves vaccinated and healthy, we can render the pandemic into an endemic, and the disease can be something less threatening. Secondly, we should not become jaded and cynical about the relationships we have with each other, including our relationship with the people who provide us with an essential service, like our delivery drivers, F&B staff, and other workers. We should be optimistic and hopeful about the people we work with, including our suppliers, sponsors and partners. In order for us to keep going in this industry, we have to keep working together, as sometimes the best currency to function can often be found in our relationships. At the same time, we have to make sure that we do not resort to the blame-game for too long, especially if it is tainted with racist rhetoric. We know it is selfish, entitled, and ignores the fact that getting the disease is not a moral shame. Sometimes it's a work hazard, and it happens regardless of race. And lastly, we have to stay humble and realistic, while still keeping our goals in sight.
This is not the first crisis that we as an industry has faced, and it certainly will not be the last. Stay safe, everyone, and #savefnbsg
