As the coronavirus infection continues to make an impact here in the United States, restaurants need to know how they can best protect customers and employees from potential infection. The virus is highly contagious, lingering in the air for as long as three hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Knowing what to do if an infected person has visited a restaurant location is crucial in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Safety Precautions for Restaurant Owners and Employees

As restaurants slowly begin to reopen, it’s still important to stay updated on advice from local governments as well as the CDC, which constantly updates its safety precautions for businesses. It’s also crucial to make sure a Restaurant Insurance Program is in place. This coverage ensures protection for restaurants with comprehensive liability coverage and more.

The best ways restaurants and its employees can combat the spread of infection include:

• Washing Hands Frequently: The virus particle is held together by a bilayer that acts as a glue and holds it together. Antibacterial soap and water combined with 20 seconds of thorough washing are very effective at dissolving the bilayer and disassembling the virus.
  
• Disinfecting Commonly Touched Surfaces: Restaurants should use disinfectant wipes to clean door handles, tabletops, food prep surfaces, bathrooms, POS systems, and other frequently touched surfaces. The virus is able to linger on touched surfaces for up to 17 hours, so constant cleaning and wiping help to stop it in its tracks.
  
• Social Distancing: COVID-19’s main mode of transmission is between people contacting each other and airborne droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. Employees should remain at least six feet apart when possible and always give guests space when serving them.
  
• Ordering Quarantine: if employees feel symptoms of the virus, they should be required to stay at home for two weeks and self-isolate. If symptoms worsen or if they start out severe in illness, they should call a doctor before going in to get tested for the virus.
  
• Covering Coughs and Sneezes: Employees should be instructed on how to cough and sneeze into their elbow or a tissue and to wash their hands immediately. Servers should also carry on-the-go hand sanitizes bottles and wear gloves when possible.
  
• Contactless Ordering: Curbside pickup, delivery, and contactless ordering have become popular alternatives for restaurants. Using a third-party delivery service or requiring online payment ensures safe and contactless payment and food transaction. This alternative ensures that cash won’t be exchanged and people aren’t touching POS systems in the process.

About Irving Weber Associates

At Irving Weber Associates, Inc., we understand what it takes to run a successful restaurant business. Our Restaurant Advantage Program ensures that restaurants are financially protected against claims, and offers comprehensive insurance coverages including General Liability, Liquor Liability, Property Liability, Food Contamination, Delivery Errors & Omissions, Commercial Auto and many more. For a detailed look at how we can help you safeguard your business with a custom-tailored package, please contact our experts today at (800) 243-1811.