Dining out during COVID-19 pandemic

Summary

The video highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on restaurants globally, emphasizing closures and the shift to takeout. As businesses plan to reopen, diners are reassessing their approach to dining out, focusing on safety measures like sanitizing utensils and menus. Experts provide guidance on preventing virus transmission through surfaces and aerosols. While transmission through food is unlikely, precautions like cooking food thoroughly are recommended. Safe drinking water is assured through chlorine treatment. The video emphasizes the importance of hygiene, particularly washing hands before and after eating.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Restaurants around the world, including in the U.S., have been closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
• 📦 The virus can remain on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on plastic and stainless steel for 2-3 days.
• 🍴 Restaurants are advised to focus on sanitizing menus, utensils, and salt shakers to prevent virus spread.
• 🤔 Diners are rethinking their relationship with dining out due to COVID-19 and are more cautious about eating out.
• 🦠 The coronavirus can attach itself to aerosols in the air for up to 3 hours.
• 🧼 It's recommended to bring your own disinfecting wipes, such as Lysol or Clorox, for extra precaution.
• 🍳 While it's unclear if the virus can be transmitted through food, researchers suggest it would likely be killed by cooking.
• 🚰 Experts say tap water is safe to drink, as viruses like COVID-19 are effectively treated with chlorine at water treatment plants.
• 🧴 It's important to wash your hands before and after eating, whether you're dining out or at home.
• 🥗 Hot and cold bars in restaurants are areas of concern for virus transmission.

Q & A

Why are restaurants around the world, including in the U.S., closed during the time mentioned in the script?

Restaurants are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus.

What are some of the changes diners might expect when restaurants reopen?

When restaurants reopen, diners are likely to reassess their relationship with dining out, and there will be increased attention to hygiene and safety measures.

What is the National Restaurant Association advising restaurant owners to do?

The National Restaurant Association is advising restaurant owners to pay particular attention to sanitizing menus, utensils, and salt shakers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to new information from the National Institutes of Health, how long can the coronavirus remain on different surfaces?

The coronavirus can remain on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on plastic and stainless steel for 2 to 3 days.

How long can the coronavirus remain airborne in aerosols?

The coronavirus can attach itself to aerosols in the air for up to 3 hours.

What precautions are people taking when dining out, according to the script?

People are taking extra precautions such as spraying down tables, and some diners prefer to stay cautious by eating groceries at home.

What recommendation is given for those who want to take extra safety measures when dining out?

It is recommended to bring your own antimicrobial wipes like Lysol, Clorox, or other EPA-recommended brands for additional protection.

Can the coronavirus be transmitted through infected food?

Harvard researchers say it is unlikely for the virus to be transmitted through food, as it would likely be killed by cooking.

Is it safe to drink tap water during the coronavirus pandemic?

Yes, experts say it is safe because viruses like coronavirus are susceptible to chlorine treatment in water treatment plants, which effectively address pathogens.

What is a general hygiene recommendation whether you're eating out or at home?

The script recommends washing your hands both before and after eating, regardless of whether you're dining out or at home.