Covid-19 has changed our lives, and also it has badly affected our routine and daily life. We can not neglect the safety measures and precautions recommended by the health authorities in our respective countries. After months of isolation and lockdowns, it’s completely understandable and fine, if you want to socialize a bit, here I do not mean COVID-parties, please.
The only way we can remain safe is by maintaining a strict quarantine indefinitely. Again, it is hard for all of us we can understand because we are social animals. After all, being alone isn’t good for our mental and emotional health.
Eight Key Points to Follow When Eating in a Restaurant During COVID-19
- CALL BEFORE GOING TO RESTAURANTS
Before you leave for your favourite hangout, give them a call and inquire about the COVID-19 safety measures they’ve implemented. You should double-check that they’re following the Health Authority or WHO guidelines for safe employee screening and keeping sick workers at home for the right amount of time. If you’re ordering to go, calling ahead can cut down on the time you spend waiting in line.
Most essential, wash your hands frequently when out and about, particularly after using the restroom, coughing or sneezing, and before eating. The easiest strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wash your hands with simple soap and water for 20 seconds.
- KEEP IT OUTSIDE
Although several cities and states have reintroduced indoor dining. The harsh reality is that indoor events place you at a considerably higher risk of infection than outside locations.
Because the air circulation is substantially greater in outdoor settings, there is a substantially decreased danger of COVID-19 transmission. We are putting ourselves in danger unnecessarily when we sit in rooms with stagnant air. Despite the fact that winter is approaching, it is preferable to limit your dining to outside settings for the time being.
- PREFER RESTAURANTS WITH TOUCHLESS MENUS
Do you really want to be in charge of a menu that has been pawed over by a dozen other diners and servers? Many restaurants now offer menus that can be accessed by scanning a QR code with your smartphone, and most eateries also maintain their whole menus online.
It’s far preferable to touch your own device than to navigate a menu (though keeping your smartphone clean is also essential).
- KEEP HAND SANITIZER
Hand soap and hand sanitiser will almost definitely be available in every restaurant you visit without delay. However, some restaurant owners could also be unaware that certain hand sanitisers containing poisonous substances like methanol or 1-propanol, which are dangerous when absorbed into the skin or life-threatening if consumed, are prohibited.
Nearly 175 brands of hand sanitiser are found to contain these toxins, and also the list continues to be growing. The solution? Carry your own hand sanitiser so you’ll know it’s made of a minimum of 60 per cent alcohol and is from a brand that’s freed from contaminants.
- USE A MASK WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH SERVER
Even if the restaurant says you can remove your mask once you’ve been seated, it’s a good idea to put it back on when speaking with your server or anyone you’re not quarantining. After all, just because it says it’s OK on the sign doesn’t mean you should take off your mask when you’re within 6 feet of someone.
- KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Let’s go through the 6-foot rule again. While many restaurants have been granted a license to operate if they provide outdoor seating, they may not be providing enough space between tables and customers. To reduce transmission, a minimum of 6 feet between customers or tables is required.
When you’re in the line to order or waiting for the restroom, keep this in mind. When people are in close quarters for an extended amount of time, the chance of transmission increases, so keep your distance and keep moving to avoid being exposed.
- DURING COVID DO NOT SHARE BELONGINGS
Everything you touch in a restaurant, including salt and pepper shakers, iPads, pens, and ketchup bottles can be a source of infections. Virus particles can survive on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, according to studies on the virus’s ability to live on various surfaces.
Use reusable goods that can’t be cleaned or sanitized between clients. This means you may either bring your own salt shaker or simply wipe it down with a sanitizing wipe. When possible, avoid exchanging currency and instead use touchless payment options. Also, maybe don’t share food until you’re sure all sides are on the same page. COVID-19 is not present.
- WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER EATING
Do you recall your parents telling you to clean up before dinner? The importance of this guideline has never been greater. Handwashing is a must if you want to avoid COVID-19 transmission.
One of the most effective ways to break apart the lipid membranes (protective coatings) of bacteria and viruses is to use soap and water. Soap’s chemicals break down the virus’s fatty protective coat, making it less probable for it to survive. As a result, when you wash your hands, you are attacking and washing away bacteria.
It may not be in your best interests to wash your hands in a poorly ventilated environment such as a restaurant bathroom. However, if the restaurant is relatively empty, there is no line, and you have the freedom to come and go, it is preferable to wash your hands rather than rely on a hand sanitiser. (Also, make sure you’re cleaning your hands properly.)
THE BOTTOM LINE
Going to restaurants with family and loved ones during Covid-19 can be an overwhelming experience. We strongly recommend that if you want the best experience possible, then you have to follow the guidelines of the restaurant and other health authorities. Be respectful and patient because the safety measures are taken for your health and well-being.
All are learning how to operate and give the best safety measures a restaurant can offer to its customers. We just need to follow the rules and you will keep yourself and others safe.