As previous reported, one of the chefs at Restaurante-Chiringuito Bahía on Salobreña beach was tested positive for Covid and the establishment closed.

This closure, ordered by the owner, was a precautionary step so that the double premises could be disinfected and the rest of the staff checked for the virus.

However, workers at the chiringuito, which is next to the Peñon, have been harassed by some people in the town. Only seven members of the staff are in quarantine (not because they tested positive, but because they had been in contact with the chef). The rest of the workers are free to carry on a normal life yet it appears some people in town can think of nothing better to do other than to insult or berate them in public.

This inexcusable behaviour of the few is completely dwarfed by the general reaction of people on social media, who have expressed their support and encouragement.

One of the staff explained, “It’s hard to be out walking with your little daughter and people point you out. It’s hard that in your block community your neighbours demand that you lock yourself up and call your children ‘coronavirus kids’. You can’t even go out to have a drink without people staring and pointing at you or in one case, throw you out.”

Sandra Arnedo, who manages the La Bahía and is the Spokesperson for the staff, explained that because of this hostility, they have decided to stay at home despite giving negative PCR readings. For this reason she has called upon her fellow townsfolk to calm down because, “we have to live with this virus and nobody is exempt.”

From the Seaside Gazette we express our full support for the staff of Restaurante-Chiringuito La Bahía and look forward to this popular establishment opening its doors again.

Update: the latest news is that La Bahía will be reopening later today, although the pizzería part will remain closed until the staff that work in that side of the business have finished their quarantine..

(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)