"The restaurant sector has been in danger from the start: we were the first to close and we are going to be the last to reopen", laments Michelin-starred chef Philippe Etchebest on France 24. The closure of bars and restaurants has been imposed on March 15, 2020 by the French government, in an attempt to stem the Covid-19 epidemic. No reopening date has yet been mentioned by the authorities. "During this period, it's very complicated." 

Worried about the future of professionals, who were not authorized to reopen with the end of confinement Monday, May 11, 2020, and who will have to, in the future, put in place reinforced health protocols to fight against the coronavirus with "hygienic measures multiplied by ten", the chef feared that many managers, bankrupt, would be forced to shut down.

Solicit all stakeholders

Restorers' morale is "at a low point," he said, adding that the sector had already been hit hard by the strikes last winter. "There have already been two cases of suicide in the profession, which is dramatic, and I am afraid that this crisis will leave more traces after that during (…) Many restaurateurs are in distress and do not know how to manage the situation, or who to call. There is financial bankruptcy, there is also moral bankruptcy ... They are awaiting proposals, but they are slow to come. "

If he feels supported by the government, which has "become aware of the gravity" of the situation, Philippe Etchebest would like that all the actors - and not only the State -, contribute to help the professionals, in particular "insurances, banks and maybe European funds. "

>> To see, our Debate: "Air, hotel, catering ... Fear of crash?"

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