By Sue-Ann Wayow
PRIME Minister Dr Keith Rowley is justifying his reason to open laundromats instead of restaurants and fast-food service.
He said the data was pretty straightforward in making the decision he said.
Dr Rowley was responding to questions fielded by the Opposition in Parliament on Friday.
He was asked by Naparima Member of Parliament Rodney Charles to state what data was used to make that particular decision which was announced last Saturday.
Dr Rowley said, “With respect to laundromats it was determined that a large number of people could be serviced by a few people acting in a situation which does not expose the public and therefore with health protocols being observed inside of a laundry, serving that the way they serve that it could be opened without increasing the risk to the public.”
He was further asked why restaurants were not allowed to operate.
The prime minister answered that the different types of businesses had different factors involved.
“With respect to restaurants and the use of restaurants, it involves a large number of people in closed quarters for a significant period of time. That is not the case in the laundromat,” he said .
Dr Rowley said, “The situation at a laundromat, dropping of your clothes physically distance and masks for a few officers working in a laundry is quite different to a restaurant where a large number of people are involved and exposed to a significant period of time.”
He added that in an effort to re-open the economy, Government will be taking into consideration other areas in determining the level of risk.
