Q: Our family wants to go to our favorite restaurant this weekend. What coronavirus safety measures can we expect to see when dining out?
A: When Mayor Jim Coppinger announced that Hamilton County businesses could begin a phased-in reopening beginning April 27, he noted that the compliance requirements put forth in Gov. Bill Lee's Tennessee Pledge for reopening the state would serve as the yardstick for safety measures. Lee's Pledge includes precautionary measures specific to the restaurant industry.
In the immediate future, you can expect to see fewer tables for indoor seating at your favorite spot. Buffet and self-serve options are not yet permitted, so remember to keep this in mind when making your plans. Restaurants are currently advised to reduce their indoor capacity by 50%, keeping all tables 6 feet apart from each other. No more than six diners may be seated at any table, and bar seating is to remain temporarily closed due to the close proximity of patrons between one another in these areas. For the same reason, live musical performances remain prohibited.
If there is a waiting area for seating, it should be marked with signage to indicate 6-foot spaces to observe for social distancing. Alternatively, ask the host or hostess if you can wait outdoors and receive a phone call when your table is ready. Staff might also ask to take your temperature when you arrive or ask you some simple questions about COVID-19 symptoms. Try not to be alarmed by the request - it is for the mutual safety of their guests (including you) and staff alike.
Restaurant employees should be screened by restaurant management for coronavirus symptoms and should be wearing a face mask and gloves at all times during shifts. Observe their behavior after other patrons leave their table following a meal. Are the employees sanitizing the tabletop, the items upon it and all seating surfaces? Are they frequently wiping all high-touch surfaces throughout the dining area and in the restrooms? Do they provide disposable menus to the next guests to be seated?
Mistakes will be made. Respond with polite understanding, recognizing that restaurant operators are assuming risks they've never had to deal with before in order to make their customers happy. They are taking steps to keep you safe they could not have predicted having to take just a few short months ago, and it's hitting many of them very hard on the bottom line. If you see something they could be doing better, ask to see a manager, thank them for their hard work and politely suggest areas for improvement. They will appreciate your patronage that much more for your willingness to help their business return to normal operations as safely as possible.
For additional information or questions you may have about COVID-19, call the Hamilton County Health Department COVID-19 Hotline at 423-209-8383 or visit the CDC website. The Health Department will be investigating reports about restaurants that do not appear to be making an adequate effort to follow these guidelines.
- Dr. Paul Hendricks is health officer for the Hamilton County Health Department and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.
Contributed Photo / Dr. Paul Hendricks