CDC updates guidelines for restaurants

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published more detailed guidelines for reopening restaurants.The new directives stress the importance of social distancing.

“The more an individual interacts with others, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread,” the CDC said, noting that the lowest risk is in restaurants that only offer drive-thru, delivery, takeout and curbside pickup.

Operators should designate one staff person each shift to be responsible for responding for COVID-19 concerns. Employees should notify the establishment’s contact if they have symptoms of or tested positive for COVID-19, or if they were exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past two weeks.

Restaurant layouts should be modified to allow for at least six-foot social distancing by marking tables that are not in use. Physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signage, should also be used. Crowds should be discouraged through the use of phone apps, text technology, or signs to alert patrons when their table is ready. Buzzers and other shared objects should not be used, and self-serve food and drink options such as buffets, salad bars and drink stations should be avoided.