DILI, 08 April 2020 (TATOLI)– Julião de Araújo, a retail worker from Dili, said the possibility of contracting Covid-19 frightens him. But he’s more afraid of what would happen if he stays home.
“We are afraid of corona, but our needs force us to work, to look after the shop to get some cash to support our family. If we all isolate at home, who will give us food?” he told TATOLI at his shop in Comoro, Dili, on Wednesday.
“When we are afraid of Covid-19, we will die hungry.”
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Under the State of Emergency decree, stores may remain open, but managers must ensure customers wash their hands and wear masks before entering. Businesses are also obliged to enforce social distancing between customers.
Mr Araújo said the government must think about the effect of the measures on the people of Timor, and not just tell them to stay quiet in their homes.
The owner of the Yujia 666 store, Yu Sewae, is originally from China. She said if she is forced to close the store, she will almost certainly not be able to pay Mr Araújo’s salary.
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“If we close the shop now what will we use to pay for the employees? Currently we are open but there are fewer costumers so the revenue will not be enough to pay the employees,” Yu Sewae said.
Yu Sewae said the number of customers has fallen sharply, but it’s essential she keeps the business open.
“Lately we’re not making much money. Even though it’s a little, we will put together to pay the owner of the house for rent, pay our workers, and pay tax,” she said.
The rent on the building alone is US $3,000 per month, she said.
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TATOLI also spoke with one of Ms Yu’s customers, Mateus Eduardo. He said he doesn’t like staying at home all the time during the State of Emergency.
“[During] the State of Emergency we just isolate ourselves at home, we don’t feel happy. Therefore, we are out and see which shops are open… to buy some construction supplies,” Mateus said.
The Emergency decree bans mass gatherings, such as religious mass, and meetings of more than five people. Despite this, Mr Eduardo said he’d like to see the government enforce even stricter controls on movement.
“We want the government to make rules [under] the State of Emergency meaning no-one can move around. And all the shops should be closed and everyone should isolate themselves at home.”
“The government has declared the emergency, but people continue moving about,” he said.
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Journalist: Osória Marques
Editors: Robert Baird, Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Nelia Borges
