Understand the Risks of Dining Out at Restaurants During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Evaluating the Risks of Dining Out During the Pandemic

Dining out at restaurants has changed drastically since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. What was once a carefree experience now carries new risks and safety considerations. The viral spread has compelled many restaurants to restrict capacities, enforce distancing, and ramp up sanitization measures.

However, even with added precautions, health experts assert that eating out still increases infection exposure. Patrons must weigh their own medical and situational factors to determine if the benefits outweigh potential risks.

In this article, well examine the hazards of dining out during the pandemic and provide guidance on staying safe. Well overview risks in different restaurant settings, steps you can take to minimize exposure, and eat at your own risk safety tips.

Assessing COVID-19 Risks in Restaurants

Despite capacity limits, distancing, and sanitization protocols, health experts widely agree that restaurants present an elevated COVID-19 risk. Key factors include:

Indoor Air Circulation

COVID-19 spreads through airborne particles. Indoor spaces with poor ventilation allow viral particles to accumulate and circulate over long periods. This increases infection risk, especially in larger groups.

Inconsistent Mask Use

Dining requires mask removal. Servers must interact closely with many bare-faced customers throughout shifts. This lack of consistent masking enables easier viral transmission.

Prolonged Close Contact

Restaurant meals typically last an hour or more. Sitting near others for extended periods allows greater exposure to airborne particles versus brief public interactions.

Alcohol Consumption

Drinking lowers inhibition and judgment, making people less inclined to follow safety measures. Intoxicated diners are more likely to disregard distancing and masks.

Elevated Noise Levels

Conversing louder amid background noise propels more respiratory droplets. Yelling over crowd noise spreads COVID-19 particles farther.

Frequent Surface Contact

Diners touch surfaces like tables, menus, condiments, doors etc. If disinfection is inadequate, these items can transmit COVID-19 through contact.

These inherent risks make restaurants potential virus hotspots. Certain settings and practices also raise concerns.

Settings and Practices to Avoid

While any restaurant dining carries risks, these specific scenarios are highest-risk:

Indoor Dining

Outdoor dining is safer with more air circulation. Indoor areas have higher exposure, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

Crowded Spaces

Full capacity restaurants dont allow adequate distancing. Go during off-peak hours or choose emptier establishments.

Prolonged Stays

The longer you stay, the higher your risk. Limit meals to less than 90 minutes when possible.

Sit-down Bars

Bars increase exposure with close crowds, loud music and alcohol. Sit at spaced tables instead of bar seats.

Self-serve Stations

Buffets, salad bars, self-serve drinks allow cross-contamination. Opt for full-service options.

Karaoke Nights

Singing and shouting spread droplets widely. Avoid karaoke nights or keep masks on.

Being aware of these higher-risk scenarios allows smarter choices to minimize possible exposure.

Personal Risk Assessment

Your personal health profile also determines COVID-19 risks. Those at highest risk for developing severe illness should avoid dining out, including:

• People aged 65+
• Chronic medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, obesity
• Immunocompromised individuals
• People with disabilities like diminished lung capacity
• Unvaccinated individuals
• Pregnant women

Even fully vaccinated people with additional risk factors should use extreme caution and consult doctors before dining out.

Ask Yourself:

• Are rising COVID-19 rates in my area causing strained hospital capacity?
• Do I live with someone at high risk?
• Am I experiencing any symptoms of illness?

If your answers indicate elevated personal or community risk, postpone indoor dining for safety.

Making Restaurant Dining Safer

While abstaining from restaurant dining is safest, some steps can reduce risks if you do opt to eat out. Try these tips:

Choose Your Restaurant Carefully

Select establishments that visibly prioritize safety:

• Outdoor or well-ventilated indoor seating
• Strict capacity limits
• Ample distancing of 6+ feet between tables/groups
• Servers and diners wear masks when not seated
• Contactless ordering and payment
• High-touch surfaces regularly disinfected

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Go when restaurants are less busy so you can distance more easily:

• Early or late hours
• Weekday lunch instead of weekends
• Make reservations to avoid waiting in crowds

Wear Your Mask and Distance

Keep your mask on unless eating or drinking. Maintain 6 feet from other groups. Request more distanced seating if needed.

Order Carefully

Choose lower-risk foods and serving styles:

• Foods that can remain covered like sandwiches vs. open salads
• Disposable utensils instead of shared serving pieces
• Individually packaged sauces and condiments

Practice Hand Hygiene

Wash hands before and after meals. Use sanitizer after touching surfaces. Avoid touching your face.

Keep It Short

Minimize time inside restaurants. Stick to one hour or less if possible.

Being proactive reduces potential virus exposure while dining out.

Eat at Your Own Risk Guidance

Health experts caution that dining out still carries unavoidable risks. Keep this eat at your own risk guidance in mind:

The Safest Option is No Restaurant Dining

Getting takeout or delivery keeps exposure lowest. Any indoor dining adds higher risk than staying home.

Outdoor Dining is Safer Than Indoor

Opt for outdoor tables to reduce airborne spread. Verify outdoor set-ups have adequate distancing.

Every Group Adds Incremental Risk

Limit restaurant meals to your household. Adding extra tables with friends multiplies exposure.

Distance From Others Between Bites

Keep your mask on and stay distanced while not actively eating or drinking.

The Longer You Stay, the Higher the Risk

Brief meals under one hour are lower risk than prolonged multi-hour stays.

Any Cold or Flu Symptoms? Dont Go!

Dining out while sick puts others at risk. Stay home if you have any illness symptoms.

By acknowledging the inherent risks, you can make informed choices to protect yourself and the community while dining out.

The Bottom Line

Pandemic or not, dining out involves some degree of risk. From foodborne illness to injuries, restaurants contain a variety of hazards even during normal times. COVID-19 now represents an additional, airborne threat that requires weighing personal factors, assessing establishment safety, and taking responsibility for protecting yourself and others.

While the safest choice is avoiding indoor dining, steps like choosing safety-focused restaurants, going at less busy times, limiting group size, and keeping visits brief and distanced can reduce chances of exposure if you do dine out. But, above all, stay home if you feel unwell and consider more vulnerable individuals. Eat at your own risk is prudent guidance to avoid turning dinner into viral transmission during this pandemic period and beyond.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.