Eating out does not need any guidelines

Community and close contact exposures contribute to the spread of COVID-19. Eating out may accompany a higher risk of getting COVID-19 than riding public transportation or getting a haircut at a salon, this new investigation recommends. Efforts to reduce possible exposures where mask use and social distancing are difficult to maintain, such as when eating and drinking, should be considered to protect customers, employees, and communities. If you can follow the following guidelines, it would reduce the chances of infection considerably.

Do’s an Dont’s for Eating Out:

1.Don’t go out for at least 6 months if it is not necessary.

2.If it is necessary, then choose an open area restaurant

3.Choose lunch over dinner.

4.Choose ala carte over buffet menu.

5.Choose your table such that there is appropriate physical distance between fellow diners.

6.Don’t eat facing each other. Sit on the same side of the table if possible.

7.Check AC vent and direction. If the flow is high, take your table at a distance. Stay as far away from the AC vent as possible.

8.Talking in restaurants is an aerosol-producing behavior and so is singing. Talking out loud or shouting can contaminate the air flow. This is not possible, therefore, avoid eating out.

Source: Weekly 2020;69(36);1258–64