Tips to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19: Restaurants & Bars

Though vaccinations for COVID-19 have ramped up throughout the U.S., social distancing measures are still in place, and we can help reduce further spread by keeping these measures in place. The longer we interact with others in close proximity, the more risk there is of COVID-19 spread. This is especially important when we choose to patronize local restaurants and bars.

On our infographic and below, we’ve outlined the CDC’s levels of risk for visiting restaurants and bars. The CDC recommends picking an option with the lowest level of risk for your situation.

• Lowest risk: Pick-up from takeout/curbside or delivery via Grubhub, UberEats, or other delivery service.

• More risk: Visiting a restaurant or bar and using outdoor seating situated at least six feet from the nearest patrons.

• Medium-high risk: Visiting a restaurant or bar using indoor seating situated at least six feet from the nearest patrons, or outdoor seating not spaced at least six feet apart.

• Highest risk: Visiting a restaurant or bar with indoor seating only, no distance restrictions, and no reduction of seating capacity.  

Finally, when visiting a restaurant, pay attention to the safety measures the institution undertakes to keep its customers and workers safe. Note use of masks by employees, signage encouraging distancing and personal prevention practices, usage of easily disinfected or digital menus, environmental cleaning, and restrictions on certain seating. 

If you need safety measures assessed or implemented at your business, CTEH can help. Click here to learn more. (https://www.cteh.com/service-detail/pandemic-response)

Any scientific or medical information included in this article is current as of the date of publication; however, public health knowledge of COVID-19 is rapidly developing. Readers are advised to monitor national, state and local public health agencies for current recommendations regarding any infectious disease.