There were mixed reactions from members of the general public who weighed in on the 7pm closure for businesses stipulated by the government for Christmas Eve.
This new protocol was revealed last week by Cabinet in correlation with the Christmas holidays and in keeping with safety protocols to mitigate the risk of spread of the corona virus.
Churches are allowed to hold services past midnight, until 1:00am on Christmas Eve (December 24th) and Old Year’s Night (December 31st) while restaurants and hotels are allowed the same.
Shopping on Christmas Eve will however end early, although the 11:00 pm curfew will be in effect, except for churchgoers.
Since the news broke last Thursday many have voiced their support or disapproval of the latest covid regulation.
“I understand their decision but from a business perspective, it’s damaging. It’s a situation of, “dam if u do & dam.if u don’t”. I would not like to be in The Gov’t Seat at this interval. The entire Covid -19 dilemma is just upsided down,” said one gentleman.
One individual not only gave their support but even suggested that persons do early shopping leading up to that day.
“There should be no problem. Antiguans fuss for everything. Just shop now, its easier. Its not like they can lime anyway, plus, it’ll be hard to follow covid protocols on that day if everyone wants do everything last minute its a simple solution. Shop now to avoid the madness.”
While another said he doesn’t see much of the public being affected as “most people shop online leading up to the day anyways”.
Others, however, were frustrated over this ruling.
“Listen they are just creating a havoc in town what about people who do last minute shopping especially when it’s pay check to pay check they living on? Lines are going to be long, fights may break out because it’s not everyone who is patient will want to wait their turn and what about the people who work until six or even seven who did not get a chance to do anything before they get into work? Did they ever even think about the repercussions on this?,” one lady asked.
“Closing at 7, given curfew ends at 11 but 10 for most places, that’s tough. There’s really no way around what they’re trying to do. People can’t” congregate” on Christmas Eve, best believe everyday for the next let’s say 2 weeks, St. John’s will be heavily congested, especially if businesses decide to now push they’re closing times to 9 just to accommodate Christmas eve’s dilemma,” said another.
One person suggested that the day be turned into a regular working day or businesses offer longer hours leading up to December 24th.
“I personally think Xmas Eve should be a regular business day. Treasury is depleted, people aren’t getting paid on time, and this is not the best time to be spending on frivolities like gifts, shiny things, and the like for others who may not be able to reciprocate due to their finances which will inevitably trigger anxiety and depression. Just cancel the holidays and save your money, get the essentials or things you NEED if they’re on sale and go home to avoid getting caught in crowds that will no doubt form due to the Christmas madness”.
