Dining out appeared as an enticing prospect – delectable cuisine, delightful company, all amidst the backdrop of a worldwide pandemic. In the United Kingdom, the government introduced the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme to inspire individuals to frequent restaurants. But the burning question remains, did this initiative contribute to the surge in Covid-19 cases?
The “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme, rolled out in August 2020, entailed the government covering fifty percent of the cost of meals and non-alcoholic beverages on Mondays to Wednesdays at participating establishments. This measure aimed to breathe life into the hospitality industry, which had been grappling with months of closure and restrictions due to the pandemic.
Nevertheless, the scheme did not escape scrutiny. Numerous health experts expressed concerns that it would lead to increased mingling amongst households, ultimately fuelling the spread of the virus.
When questioned about the scheme during a Covid-19 inquiry, the former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, staunchly defended the decision. He contended that the virus was no longer rampant and stressed the necessity of reviving the hospitality sector to stimulate business and provide support.
But did the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme genuinely instigate a surge in Covid-19 cases? Some studies indicate that regions with high participation in the scheme witnessed a rise in newly identified cases of the virus. Indeed, the CAGE research centre at the University of Warwick disclosed that areas with significant utilization of the scheme experienced an upsurge in new infections.
Conversely, conflicting evidence has emerged from other researchers. Analysis of data by the Resolution Foundation revealed that the scheme did not significantly contribute to the increase in Covid-19 cases. They argued that individuals were already frequenting restaurants and cafes at a comparable rate to the previous year before the scheme’s initiation.
It is evident that the impact of the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme on Covid-19 cases is intricate and multi-faceted. While it may have played a role in exacerbating infections in certain areas, pinpointing the precise extent of its impact is challenging due to mitigating factors such as the relaxation of lockdown restrictions and individuals’ behaviour.
Ultimately, it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of this scheme. While it extended much-needed financial aid to the hospitality industry, its potential repercussions on public health should be meticulously weighed.
Although the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme may be a relic of the past, the insights garnered from its implementation will endure as invaluable lessons as we navigate through the trials of the ongoing pandemic.
