**Navigating Dining Out Safely Amid the Pandemic**
Remember those good old days when you could go out to eat, toast wine glasses with friends, and chat away while browsing the menu? After being stuck at home for months, eating home-cooked meals, you’re probably dying to visit your favorite café, restaurant, or diner. But is it safe?
Your health comes first. Even though places are reopening, you need to understand what’s safe, especially with the virus still around.
Maintaining social distance is crucial in this pandemic because it helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus through respiratory droplets. If you choose to dine indoors, you’ll have to take off your mask to eat, which increases the risk since everyone is talking in a confined space. If you decide to go out, ensure you’re not feeling sick and haven’t been in contact with anyone who had COVID-19 recently.
When dining indoors, wear your mask at all times except when eating, and keep it on while talking to staff or servers.
Dining outside is a safer option. You can keep a safe distance, and the open-air setting allows for better air circulation. Still, follow basic guidelines: wear your mask unless you’re eating or drinking, and maintain a six-foot distance from others.
Among the dining options, outdoor seating is probably the safest. When picking up food, always wear your mask and keep a safe distance. Don’t go inside to pick up your order until it’s ready to avoid crowded waiting areas. Although there’s not enough evidence to suggest the virus spreads through food packaging, it’s better to be cautious. Transfer your food to a plate, discard the packaging, and wash your hands before eating.
Only go out for essentials, and when you do, follow CDC guidelines: wear a mask and maintain a six-foot distance. Avoid crowded places to stay safe. These measures significantly reduce your risk of infection.
If you miss eating out, consider takeout or outdoor seating. The less you expose yourself to the virus, the safer you’ll be. Try to limit your trips out and avoid frequent outings until there’s a vaccine.