Guiding principles to keep in mind as restaurants reopen during COVID-19

Transmission rates of COVID-19 increase in tandem with more prolonged and more frequent interactions. The risk of COVID-19 spread increases in a restaurant or bar setting as follows:

  • Lowest Risk: Foodservice limited to drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick up.
  • More Risk: On-site dining limited to outdoor seating. Seating capacity reduced to allow tables to space at least 6 feet apart.
  • Even More Risk: On-site dining with both indoor and outdoor seating. Seating capacity reduced to allow tables spaced at least six feet apart.
  • Highest Risk: On-site dining with both indoor and outdoor seating. Seating capacity not reduced, and tables are not spaced at least six feet apart.

The CDC further has listed sanitizing related protocols to be followed to eliminate risk.

Source: The CDC