Restaurants form the backbone of many communities. Besides hosting couples who want to enjoy their date nights, some restaurants also allow people to gather for post games. As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on, restaurant operators are tasked with finding ways to ensure that their staff and customers stay safe from COVID-19. Globally, restaurants have been prompted to observe measures like social-distancing and mask-wearing protocols to help curb the spread of the unprecedented pandemic. So what can a restaurant do during the pandemic to keep staff and customers safe? Listed below are some important steps to take.
4 Protocols That Restaurants Must Follow
According to the CDC, a person’s risks of getting Covid-19 increases when they interact with more people. Unfortunately, in restaurants, the transmission risk is much higher when people don’t stay at least 6 ft away from one another. Additionally, in closed spaces with inadequate ventilation, COVID-19 may even spread among people who maintain a social distance of over 6 ft.
Promoting the following behaviors can limit the spread of the coronavirus in restaurants.
1. Encourage Sick Workers And Customers To Stay At Home
Employees and customers who have tested positive for the virus or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should stay at home. Likewise, those who have come into contact with COVID patients should self-isolate.
2. Enforce The Mandatory Wearing Of Masks
Wearing masks should be an everyday behavior in your restaurant as the CDC recommends nose masks for staff and customers who are not eating. Consider making the use of masks mandatory during the pandemic.
3. Proper Hand Hygiene
Provide necessary supplies like hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol for customers and staff to disinfect their hands regularly. Workers should also avoid touching their eyes, mouth, and nose as much as possible.
4. Display Signs And Messages
Consider using electronic post signs to promote COVID-19 protective measures in your business environment. You can use digital platforms like your website, social media, and email to broadcast prevention measures to your staff and customers.
What Should A Restaurant Do During The Pandemic To Ensure Safe Food Handling?
All restaurant operators are obligated to follow public health guidelines and to comply with food safety standards in the current circumstance. One major concern is that the virus may survive on objects or surfaces for an extended period of time, which is another reason to ensure that your restaurant space and food are safe for your customers and employees.
Prioritize your guest’s safety as they are pivotal to the success of your business. Make it a point to openly and clearly communicate your food safety protocols to your customers to make it easier for them to feel comfortable. Apart from reassuring your customers that your business is safe, it would be best if you made your staff feel safe as well. Build a restaurant team that prioritizes everyone’s health and rewards them for their excellent efforts during the crisis. Observing restaurant food safety standards is one way to minimize the risks of transmission of the virus.
Final Thoughts
We hope you were better able to learn what you can do to protect your restaurant staff and customers during this pandemic. If you need superior staffing business resources for your restaruant, you have come to the right place! All Pro Restaurant Coaches is here to help you elevate your restaurant to the next level. No matter what stage you may be at, we can help. To learn more about how what we can do for your restaruant, call us today at 352-988-7771.