As we know, the restaurant industry is working hard to combat the aftermath of COVID-19 isolation. The industry has led the charge back into the re-opening phases. Here are just a few of the precautions that restaurants are taking in order to protect their staff and diners from exposure.
Increased Cleanliness
Most restaurants have introduced newer enhanced safety and sanitation protocols. They are doing things like using disposable menus, using disposable silverware, and moving tables further away from each other. Additionally, some locations keep their layout the same but keep certain tables empty to ensure that guests are spaced out. Many servers wear masks for the safety of themselves and others.
Take Out
Local restaurants and chains alike are offering curbside takeout or delivery options. In a majority of Tampa restaurants, all it takes is a phone call once you are curbside to have your food delivered straight to your vehicle. Delivery apps, such as Doordash, even offer free delivery at certain times for local eateries.
Enjoy A Meal Al Fresco
Many places are also going cashless in order to reduce contact between staff and diners. Some have even started to add outdoor seating, so the usual crowd can come in, yet dine at proper distances. Tampa even allowed restaurants and retailers to use adjacent sidewalks and public right-of-way to seat more people, which helps encourage social distancing.
How You Can Help
“It’s day by day, but really, half-day to half-day at this point,” said Hope Montgomery, who runs the downtown St. Petersburg restaurant Brick & Mortar and the newly opened SeaWorthy Fish + Bar in Tierra Verde with her husband Jason Ruhe. Local restaurants and bars need our support more than ever right now. That might come in the form of extra tips for the service workers bringing us our takeout or delivery, or writing nice reviews for them online if you’ve had a good experience. Check out our list of more ways that you can support your favorite local restaurants here.
There are currently no reports of the coronavirus being transmitted through food. If you do decide to dine out, be safe, and enjoy!