Dining Out Safely: Essential Tips for Enjoying Restaurants During a Pandemic

As communities worldwide cautiously navigate the easing of lockdown measures, a familiar scene is beginning to unfold: people venturing out, eager to reclaim a semblance of normalcy. Among them are public figures and celebrities, spotted at their favorite dining establishments, signaling a return to one of life’s simple pleasures. From Kylie Jenner to Kelly Osbourne and Cole Sprouse, the allure of restaurant dining remains strong. However, while the desire to socialize and dine out is undeniable, the reality of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic persists, raising crucial questions about how to enjoy these experiences safely.

The excitement surrounding the reopening of restaurants, bars, and other social venues is palpable. After months of restrictions, many are yearning for the vibrant atmosphere of dining out, the convenience of not cooking, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Yet, this newfound freedom comes with a significant caveat: the coronavirus has not disappeared. In fact, in many regions that have lifted restrictions, there have been concerning upticks in infection rates and hospitalizations. States like Arizona and Florida, as reported by The New York Times, experienced rising infection rates concurrent with their reopening phases, highlighting the delicate balance between economic recovery and public health.

This presents a dilemma for individuals eager to support their local eateries and indulge in their favorite meals. How can one enjoy a restaurant experience while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 exposure? To gain insight, we turned to Dr. Michael G. Knight, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at George Washington University. Dr. Knight unequivocally states that completely eliminating the risk of infection is simply not possible. “You can’t,” he tells HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY. “There’s always a risk [of infection] when you go to a bar or a restaurant. That’s the reality.” He acknowledges the importance of these businesses and the enjoyment people derive from them, framing the challenge as “finding that level [of comfort],” a personal assessment of acceptable risk.

Understanding that zero risk isn’t attainable, the focus then shifts to risk mitigation. It’s about making informed choices that significantly reduce your chances of exposure. The fundamental principle is to create as much distance and reduce as much contact as possible between yourself and others outside your immediate household, as well as between yourself and frequently touched surfaces. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. These droplets can be inhaled by others or land on surfaces, which, if touched, can then transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Key Strategies for Safer Dining: Location and Frequency

When considering dining out with family or friends, Dr. Knight emphasizes two critical factors that significantly influence the level of risk: **location** and **frequency**. These two variables, when managed thoughtfully, can dramatically improve the safety profile of your dining experience.

1. Opting for Outdoor Dining: Maximizing Ventilation and Space

Dr. Knight’s primary recommendation for reducing risk is to choose outdoor dining whenever possible. “Outdoor dining is going to have a lower risk because [of] the air movement, the ventilation outside,” he explains. The natural circulation of fresh air outdoors helps to disperse any viral particles, making it less likely for them to accumulate and be inhaled compared to an enclosed indoor space. This principle of ventilation is paramount in mitigating airborne transmission.

Beyond air circulation, outdoor dining often facilitates better social distancing. Restaurants typically arrange outdoor tables with ample space between them, ensuring patrons are “at least six feet apart.” This physical separation is a cornerstone of preventing virus spread. Furthermore, many establishments implementing outdoor dining are also adopting enhanced hygiene protocols. “Most of your waiters are going to have a mask on and they’re limiting the amount of time they come to your table,” Dr. Knight observes. This reduces the duration and proximity of interaction between staff and diners, further minimizing potential exposure.

Other measures contributing to a safer outdoor dining experience include minimizing shared items. Speaking of restaurants in D.C., Dr. Knight adds, “We’re having disposable menus and you’re not having to share condiments and other items for your table.” The use of single-use or digital menus, individually packaged condiments, and touchless payment options all work to reduce the risk of fomite transmission – the spread of the virus via contaminated surfaces.

When considering outdoor dining, it’s also worth noting the advantages of reserving a table in advance. This allows restaurants to manage their capacity more effectively and ensure proper social distancing between parties. While outdoor dining is generally safer, inclement weather can sometimes force a move indoors, which reintroduces higher risks. It’s wise to consider the weather forecast and potential indoor alternatives a restaurant might offer, if any, and assess your comfort level with those options.

2. Mindful Frequency: Reducing Cumulative Exposure

The second crucial factor Dr. Knight highlights is the **frequency** of dining out. Even with stringent safety measures, each instance of dining in a public setting carries a degree of risk. The more often you engage in these activities, the higher your cumulative exposure becomes. “In that setting, I may say, ‘You know what? I’m used to going to the restaurant every night. I’m not willing to take that level of risk, but maybe I’ll go once every weekend. Or once every other weekend to my biggest restaurant to have outdoor dining.’ That may be a level of risk that I’m willing to take.” This scenario, Dr. Knight affirms, is a “lower” risk than “going every day or if I was going into an indoor sitting restaurant where I’m right next to other people.”

This advice underscores the importance of a personal risk assessment. Consider your own health, age, and any underlying conditions that might make you more vulnerable to severe illness. Also, think about the health status of those in your household. Dining out less frequently, even if it’s your preferred activity, significantly reduces the opportunities for exposure over time. For those moments when you crave restaurant food but want to avoid the dine-in risk, options like takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery remain excellent, lower-risk alternatives. If you do dine with friends or family, ensure they are part of your established social “bubble” and share your commitment to safety precautions.

Additional Safety Protocols for Diners

Beyond location and frequency, there are several other personal actions you can take to enhance safety and demonstrate responsibility:

• Wear a Mask: While you’ll remove your mask to eat and drink, keep it on when entering, exiting, or moving around the restaurant (e.g., to use the restroom). This protects both you and others.
• Practice Hand Hygiene: Sanitize your hands immediately upon arrival, especially after touching door handles or menus. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom and before eating. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for convenience.
• Stay Home if Unwell: This cannot be stressed enough. If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with the virus, or are awaiting test results, absolutely do not go to a restaurant. Prioritize public health over a meal out.
• Observe Restaurant Protocols: Pay attention to the safety measures implemented by the restaurant. Do staff wear masks? Are tables adequately spaced? Are there clear signs for social distancing? Choosing establishments that visibly prioritize safety not only protects you but also encourages better practices industry-wide. Don’t hesitate to call ahead or check their website for their specific safety guidelines.
• Use Restrooms Wisely: If you need to use the restaurant’s restroom, wear your mask, maintain distance from others, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Try to avoid peak times if possible.
• Minimize Unnecessary Contact: Avoid lingering in crowded areas like waiting areas or near the bar. Get seated as quickly as possible and minimize interactions with people outside your dining party.

The Bottom Line: Informed Decisions and Shared Responsibility

To reiterate Dr. Knight’s crucial message: “There is a risk of coronavirus transmission anytime you leave your home and interact with other people.” The pandemic has fundamentally altered how we approach public activities, including dining out. While the allure of restaurants is powerful, it’s essential to approach these experiences with a clear understanding of the risks involved and a commitment to mitigating them.

By prioritizing outdoor dining, limiting the frequency of your visits, and diligently following personal hygiene and distancing protocols, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability. This approach allows individuals to support local businesses and enjoy a taste of normalcy, all while acting responsibly within the ongoing public health crisis. Ultimately, making informed choices and taking personal precautions are key to navigating the complex landscape of post-lockdown life and enjoying restaurant dining as safely as possible.