The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the world, and while things are starting to recover, we must continue to practice social distancing. Even though some people may be eager to begin returning to their regular routines, we must remember the importance of maintaining a distance from people, especially those we don't know.
A restaurant, however, is a crowded establishment where people have to take off their masks to eat. It can make social distancing difficult, so it is the responsibility of the business owner to take extra steps to keep their customers safe. Below are a few ways you can create a safe restaurant environment for social distancing.
Temperature Checks
Restaurants should be taking measures to prevent people infected with Covid-19 from entering the establishment. It means temperature checks for all customers and staff upon entry, and anyone who does not meet the required temperature will not be allowed into the restaurant. It is an essential step in preventing the further spread of the virus.
Of course, some people might not show symptoms of the virus, especially when they have already received vaccinations. The best a restaurant can do is have customers and staff wear masks. Even if it silences their voices, staff must always wear them. Customers must only remove them when they have to eat.
Social distancing might protect us from the virus, but ensuring that everyone in the establishment is free from it is an essential routine.
Place Sanitation Products in Strategic Areas
Customers and staff should have easy access to hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. These should be placed in strategic areas around the restaurant so that everyone can clean their hands regularly.
There should be a sanitizing station where customers can clean their hands before entering. There should also be stations near the counter or cashier so that customers and staff can wash their hands regularly.
The restrooms are another crucial area to prioritize. Ensure plenty of soap and paper towels are available and clean the toilets frequently. It is also essential to have a trash can near the exit so that people can dispose of their used paper towels.
There should also be sanitizing stations near high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, and countertops. Restaurant staff members should wipe down these areas frequently with disinfectant wipes.
Encourage Outdoor Dining
Outdoor dining is a great way to encourage social distancing. It allows people to maintain a safe distance from one another while still enjoying a meal together.
If your restaurant has an outdoor patio or deck, it is time to open it up and encourage customers to dine there. If you don't have an outdoor space, see if there is a nearby park or other open space where you can set up tables and chairs.
You can also use tents or canopies to create an outdoor dining area. It will provide shelter from the sun or rain and help people feel more comfortable dining outdoors.
Increase Ventilation
Ventilation is critical in preventing the spread of Covid-19, and restaurants should be doing everything they can to increase airflow. Staff members can do this by opening windows, using fans, or installing air purifiers.
It is also essential to ensure that the ventilation system is working correctly and that there are no blocked vents or air ducts. The restaurant should also get inspected for mold or mildew growth or worsening respiratory problems.
Creating a Spacious Layout
The layout of the restaurant is crucial for social distancing. Tables should get spaced out so that people can maintain a safe distance from one another.
It is also essential to create a clear path between tables so that people can move around without coming into contact with others. The aisle should be wide enough for people to walk through without squeezing past each other.
The tables should also have acrylic barriers to prevent people from making close contact. Those installations will keep the air they breathe from reaching each other, putting them at risk of contracting the virus.
If possible, it is also a good idea to have separate areas for dining and waiting. It will help to reduce congestion and make it easier for people to maintain a safe distance from one another.
Encourage Cashless Payments
One way to reduce the spread of the virus is to encourage customers to use cashless payment methods. The options include credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments.
There are several reasons why cashless payments are safer. First, it reduces the need to handle cash, which can contaminate the virus. Second, it eliminates the need to exchange money between people, spreading the virus.
Third, it helps track where people have been and who they have contacted. Businesses can use this information to get people if someone tests positive for Covid-19 and trace their movements.
Conclusion
Restaurants need to take action to create a safe environment for social distancing. By taking these steps, restaurants can help keep their customers and staff safe from Covid-19.