Restaurant operators wary of new COVID variant

AMMAN — As the COVID-19 Omicron variant raises global alarm, the Kingdom’s restaurant operators express their concerns.

“There is still so much unknown about the new variant, and for sure, we started thinking about what is yet to come by the end of this year,” Anas Rateb, an accountant at a budget-friendly restaurant in Amman, told The Jordan Times on Monday. 

A significant number of restaurants have been struggling financially, including Rateb’s business that barely covers its operational expenses. 

Rateb said that delivery applications have slightly helped him weather the ongoing crisis, but he worries that during the next period the situation will get worse.

However, other restaurants have not experienced setbacks from the recent wave in cases. 

Mahmoud Isam, who works at a popular shawarma restaurant chain in the capital told The Jordan Times: “The restaurant heavily relies on its digital sales channels. That is why it is alive and thriving.” 

He said that sales are soaring despite the rise in COVID-19 cases in the Kingdom.

Abu Juma, another local restaurant owner, said: “It is not the first time we have rising infection rates, therefore, the best thing we can do is protect ourselves and our customers.”

He added that he is worried about the unknowns of the new variant, but he always hopes for the best.