The global COVID-19 pandemic hit everyone hard, but few economic sectors have suffered as much as the restaurant industry. And while the three approved coronavirus vaccines appear to have curtailed the most recent pandemic surge, public health experts warn continued caution — especially when it comes to indoor dining and the risks of eating out.
“You have decreases in cases and deaths when you wear masks, and you have increases in cases and deaths when you have in-person restaurant dining,” Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a White House briefing in March.
Where we were one year ago: Restaurant survival in question
Going forward: Restaurant guidelines
While vaccination rates have gone up and COVID infections have gone down, the CDC has not updated its guidelines for restaurants and bars since December, 2020, and they likely will not do so until the nation achieves herd immunity.
They urge restaurant owners to upgrade ventilation systems, space tables apart, sanitize surfaces, and require excellent hygiene and PPE for workers, including masks and gloves.
The CDC still “recommends that you do not gather with people who do not live with you at this time. Attending events and gatherings increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Stay home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.”
The CDC recommendations for people who have been fully vaccinated are not much better.
“Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during public social activities such as dining indoors at a restaurant or going to the gym is lower for fully vaccinated people. However, precautions should still be taken as transmission risk in these settings is higher and likely increases with the number of unvaccinated people present,” the site states. “Thus, fully vaccinated people engaging in social activities in public settings should continue to follow all guidance for these settings including wearing a well-fitted mask, maintaining physical distance (at least 6 feet), avoiding crowds, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands frequently.”
